girl name · Latin origin
Emily
/ EM-uh-lee /
Meaning
Emily means Rival; eager (Latin).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Latin
Pronunciation
EM-uh-lee
Popularity
#34 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Emily in the US, 1880–2025
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.
What does Emily mean?
From the Roman Aemilia, usually read “rival” or “eager, industrious.”
Nicknames for Emily
Names like Emily
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily means Rival; eager. From the Roman Aemilia, usually read “rival” or “eager, industrious.”
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.
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.