Names › Girls' names › E › Emily
Emily
Meaning: from the Roman family name Aemilius (possibly 'rival') · Origin: Latin · Gender: usually a girl's name
Origin & history
The English form of Aemilia, the feminine of the Roman family name Aemilius, often linked to Latin aemulus, 'rival'. It became common in English in the 18th century.
Famous people named Emily
- Emily Dickinson (poet)
- Emily Brontë (novelist)
- Emily Blunt (actor)
Nicknames
Em, Emmy, Milly
Variants & related names
Emilia, Émilie, Emilie
Emily name art
A free preview of a printable “Emily” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily means “from the Roman family name Aemilius (possibly 'rival')”. It comes from Latin.
Is Emily a popular name?
Yes — Emily has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Emily?
Em, Emmy, Milly.
What are other forms of Emily?
Emilia, Émilie, Emilie.
Similar names
Clara · Julia · Natalia · Olive · Vivian · Diana
More: names starting with E · all girls' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.