Emily

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Fact sheet

Name
Emily
Gender
Girl name
Syllables
3

Emily is a feminine first name, meaning "the striving one," "the vigorous one," or "the ambitious one." Alternatively, it can also be interpreted as "descendant of the Roman family of the Aemilii." The English form of the name is the widely used variant of Emilie as well as Aemilia, the original name.

What does the name Emily mean?

The name Emily means "the striving one," "the vigorous one," or "the ambitious one" and can also be understood as "descendant of the Roman family of the Aemilii." It is the common English variant of the name Emilie and the original name Aemilia. A popular short form is Miley. The name has its roots in Latin and derives from the word aemulus, which means "rivaling," "striving," "imitating," or "eager." Additionally, Emily is said to have a connection to the ancient Roman family of the Aemilii, which was one of the most prominent noble families in ancient Rome. This family produced many influential figures over the centuries, such as senators and politicians. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the lineage of the Aemilii died out. Some researchers also see a possible connection to the Greek name Mamercus, which received the name "Aemylos" due to his oratory skills. The corresponding Greek adjective aimylios means "imitating," "eager," or "winning." It is possible that the name later made its way to Rome and became a surname. In Germany and France, Emilie is the most common form of the name. In the USA, Emely is primarily used, while in German-speaking Switzerland, the variant Emili is common, and in Sweden, the variant Emelie is widespread. In Italy and Spain, Emilia is the most common form.

Where does the name Emily come from?

The girl's name Emily has its roots in Latin and Roman. It can be derived from the Latin adjective "aemulus," which means "rivaling," "eager," or "imitating." There is also a connection to the ancient Roman family name of the Aemilii, one of the most significant patrician families in ancient Rome.

How do you pronounce Emily?

The name Emily has a three-syllable to four-syllable sound and is softly modulated. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as "E-mi-ly" [ˈɛmili] or in English pronunciation [ˈɛməli]. The bright middle position provides a rich sound, while the closed ending gently rounds off the name. Emily conveys a modern and vibrant impression - friendly, international, and present.

When is the name day of Emily?

The name day for Emily is celebrated on January 5.

Popularity

In Germany, Emily is one of the very popular first names. Currently, it ranks 17th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2005 when it took first place. Over the last ten years, Emily has been given as a first name approximately 26,400 times, earning it 18th place in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 15th.

Nicknames & pet names

Amy / Elli / Ely / Em / Embear / Ember / Emberle / Emchen / Emchenmomo / Eme / Emel / Emele / Emelei / Emeley / Emelya / Emem / Emerlie / Emi / Emichen / Emii / Emil / Emilay / Emilby / Emilchen / Emilein / Emilia / Emilie / Emilielein / Emilinchen / Emilinsckka / Emilio / Emilita / Emillius / Emilo / Emilu / Emily Erdbeer / Emily-Erdbeer / Emilylein / Eminem / Emjlai / Emjoly / Eml / Emly / Emma / Emme / Emmelay / Emmelchen / Emmemeil / Emmerich / Emmi / Emmie / Emmilein / Emmimmi / Emmovich / Emmy / Emouly / Ems / Emsche / Emsel / Emsely / Emsipemsi / Emsy / Emumuli / Emy / Emybemmi / Eum / Linchen / Lyly / Lynchen / Melly / Mielchen / Milli / Millie / Milly / Mily / Mimi / Pemmely / Remely / Treppily

Similar first names

Emmelie, Emmely

Famous people

  • Emily Alyn Lind (American child actress)
  • Emily Anderson (from the anime Glitter Force/Smile Pretty Cure Glitter Red/Cure Happy)
  • Emily Bancker (actress from the USA)
  • Emily Bennet (character from 'The Vampire Diaries')
  • Emily Bevan (British actress)
  • Emily Biggs (singer (Parade))
  • Emily Blunt (actress)
  • Emily Bronte (English writer)
  • Emily Browning (Australian actress)
  • Emily Bruni (British actress)
  • Emily Callaway (Hide and Seek)
  • Emily Deschanel (actress)
  • Emily Diamand (writer from the UK)
  • Emily Dickinson (American poet)
  • Emily Didonato (American model)
  • Emily Erdbeer (comic)
  • Emily Fields (character in the book series 'Pretty Little Liars')
  • Emily Flake (illustrator from America)
  • Emily Foxler (actress)
  • Emily Gertrude Thomson (German artist)

Frequently asked questions about the name Emily

What is the origin of the name Emily?

The name Emily has its roots in Latin and Roman. It derives from the Latin adjective 'aemulus,' which means 'rivaling' or 'eager.'

What does the name Emily mean?

Emily means 'the striving one,' 'the vigorous one,' or 'the ambitious one.' The name can also be understood as a reference to descent from the Roman family of the Aemilii.

What nicknames are there for Emily?

There are numerous affectionate nicknames for Emily, including Amy, Elli, Ely, Em, and Emmy. These variations offer plenty of room for personal adaptations.

How is the name Emily pronounced?

The name Emily is typically pronounced as 'Em-i-li.' The emphasis is on the first syllable.

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