Emily
Emily first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1999, when 26,542 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 5,451.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Emily popular?
Declining Emily is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1999 peak.
| 2020s | 37,622 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 117,646 | |
| 2000s | 223,768 | |
| 1990s | 237,262 | |
| 1980s | 131,764 | |
| 1970s | 46,839 | |
| 1960s | 12,332 | |
| 1950s | 12,839 | |
| 1940s | 13,409 | |
| 1930s | 11,916 | |
| 1920s | 18,754 | |
| 1910s | 17,069 | |
| 1900s | 6,423 | |
| 1890s | 5,476 | |
| 1880s | 3,368 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Emily mean?
Emily comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, linked to “rival” or “eager,” via the Latin Aemilia. It is carried by the poet Emily Dickinson and the novelist Emily Brontë.
Nicknames for Emily
- Em
- Emmy
- Millie
Variants & spellings
- Emilee
- Emilie
- Emely
Names like Emily
Latin names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Emily
Popular Latin names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Emily
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily means Rival; eager. Emily comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, linked to “rival” or “eager,” via the Latin Aemilia. It is carried by the poet Emily Dickinson and the novelist Emily Brontë.
What is the origin of the name Emily?
Emily is of Latin origin.
How do you pronounce Emily?
Emily is pronounced “EM-uh-lee.”
Is Emily a boy or a girl name?
Emily is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Emily a popular name right now?
Emily is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1999 peak.
How popular is the name Emily?
In 2025, Emily ranked #34 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Emily most popular?
Emily was most popular in 1999, when about 26,542 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Emily?
Common nicknames for Emily include Em, Emmy, Millie.
What names are similar to Emily?
Names similar to Emily include Emma, Amelia, Emilia, Ella.
What names go well with Emily?
Latin names that pair well with Emily include Mark, Amanda, Olivia, Ava, Oliver.