Emily
Rival; industrious, eager — a girl name of English origin
Popularity of Emily in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Emily
Emily is the English form of the Latin Aemilia, feminine of the Roman family name Aemilius, thought to derive from "aemulus," meaning "rival" or "striving to excel." It was introduced to England by the Hanoverians in the 18th century as an anglicization of Amelia, and later popularized by literary figures such as Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson. Emily was the most popular girls' name in the United States for over a decade beginning in the 1990s and remains a beloved modern classic.
Emily Around the World
Emily is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Emily
Famous People Named Emily
- Emily Dickinson — American poet
- Emily Blunt — British actress
- Emily Brontë — English novelist (Wuthering Heights)
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Sibling Name Ideas for Emily
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily is a girl name of English origin meaning "Rival; industrious, eager." Emily is the English form of the Latin Aemilia, feminine of the Roman family name Aemilius, thought to derive from "aemulus," meaning "rival" or "striving to excel." It was introduced to England by the Hanoverians in the 18th century as an anglicization of Amelia, and later popularized by literary figures such as Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson.
How do you pronounce Emily?
Emily is pronounced EM-uh-lee. Common variations include Emilie, Emilee, Emmalee.
Is Emily a girl name?
Yes, Emily is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Em, Emmy, Millie, Emma.
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