Pronunciation /ˈɛməliː/ Word/name Latin | Gender Female Meaning Rival | |
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Emily is a feminine name derived from the Roman feminine name Aemilia. The Latin name Aemilia in turn may derive from the Latin word aemulus (or from the same root as aemulus), meaning "rival", but this may be a folk etymology.
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Popularity
Emily has been a hugely popular name in the English-speaking world, ranking among the most popular names in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It held the position for over a decade as the most common name given to girls in the United States but fell to sixth place in 2009. In 2013 it was the sixth most popular name for girls in Australia.
It is also a common name in numerous other countries. Emily and Emma switched off as the number one most popular baby name for thirteen consecutive years until 2009 when Emma placed in second behind Isabella and Emily ranked as sixth. But currently in 2016, it is number one for the most popular baby names, beating the name Emma, which was in 11th place
"Emily also has literary associations, including Emily Dickinson, evoking images of a woman who is both beautiful and smart," noted a May 11, 2008, Associated Press article.
Name variants
Alternate forms include: