Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Emily

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Rival

      Variations

      Emilynn, Emely, Emile
      The name Emily is of English origin and derives from the Latin name Aemilia, meaning rival or striving. This name first appeared in English-speaking countries in the Middle Ages and gained popularity during the 19th century. In history, the name Emily can be traced back to influential figures such as Emily Bront, the renowned author of Wuthering Heights, and Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet. The popularity of the name Emily continued to rise throughout the 20th century and it is still commonly used today.

      In modern-day usage, the name Emily remains a popular choice for parents around the globe. It has achieved widespread acceptance and is considered a classic and timeless name. Its usage spans across many cultures and societies, making it a truly international name. Emily's popularity can be attributed to its elegant simplicity and its association with literary and historical figures. Furthermore, the meaning of rival adds an intriguing layer of depth to the name, bringing a sense of strength and determination to those who bear it. Overall, the name Emily continues to be cherished and chosen by parents seeking a name that embodies both beauty and significance.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Emily.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name of those married to a Emily.
      Emily

      Emily

      This is the most common name for a child of a Emily.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1870 is when there were the most people born with the first name Emily.

      Explore the origins of another name.