Back to all names
Girl

Emily

Rival

Origin

Latin

Used in

en

Origin and meaning of Emily

Emily is the English form of Emilia, going back to the Latin family name Aemilius, perhaps linked to aemulus, 'rival'. Carried by the ancient gens Aemilia, the name blends Roman heritage with modern grace. It is among the most loved and widespread girls' names in the Anglo-Saxon world, topping the charts in England and the United States for generations; its gentle sound and famous literary namesakes have secured its prestige across Europe.

Variants around the world

How Emily sounds in other languages.

EmiliaÉmilieEmilie

Famous people

  • Emily Dickinson— poet
  • Emily Brontë— writer
  • Emily Blunt— actress

Settled on Emily? Now build the registry

Start a free baby registry for {{name}} and share one link with friends and family.

Names you might also like

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Emily mean?

The name Emily means Rival.

What is the origin of the name Emily?

Origin of Emily: Latin.

What are the international variants of the name Emily?

International variants of Emily: Emilia, Émilie, and Emilie.