Emily

Meaning & Origin

Emily comes from the Latin Aemilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, generally understood to mean “rival” or “eager, striving.” It entered English use through the Normans and has remained a beloved classic ever since.

Popularity

Emily was the most popular girl name in the US for eleven consecutive years in the late 1990s and 2000s. It remains a top-40 favorite today, prized for its timeless, effortlessly elegant sound.

Nicknames & Variations

Common nicknames include Em, Emmy, and Millie. Related forms include Emilia, Emilie, Amelia, and Emilia’s many international spellings across European languages.

Similar Names

Amelia, Charlotte, Abigail, Elizabeth, and Evelyn share Emily’s classic, enduring charm.

Personality & Trivia

Emily is often seen as warm and dependable, a classic that has stayed beloved without ever feeling dated. Its eleven-year reign as America’s top girl name speaks to just how broadly appealing its timeless charm really is.

Famous People Named Emily

• Emily Dickinson, celebrated American poet
• Emily Blunt, actress
• Emily Ratajkowski, model and actress

Quick Facts

• Gender: Girl
• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: “Rival” or “eager, striving”
• Pronunciation: EM-ih-lee