Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Emelia
GirlLatin· “form of Emilia; rival”
- Meaning
- form of Emilia; rival
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- ih-MEE-lee-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #601
- US babies 2025
- 488
- Best rank
- #333 (1883)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Emelia
Emelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “form of Emilia; rival”.
Emelia is a variant spelling of Emilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, which is usually linked to the Latin aemulus, "rival" or "striving to equal". Emilia and Emily have been used across Europe for centuries, and Shakespeare gave the name Emilia to a memorable character in Othello. The Emelia spelling blends the look of Emily with the flowing ending of Emilia, and it has become more common in recent years. The name is graceful and feminine, with a soft, lilting rhythm. Emmy, Millie and Mia are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Emelia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 57 different years. Its best national rank was #333 in 1883, and the most babies received it in 2019, when 701 were named Emelia. In 2025, 488 babies were named Emelia, and it ranked #601 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,091 in 1920, #2,017 in 1950, #3,434 in 1980, #1,560 in 2000, #805 in 2010, and #601 in 2025. Of the 14,028 US girls named Emelia since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,530 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Avah, Kensley, Charleigh, Oaklyn, and Bristol.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emelia ranked highest in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #196 | 5 |
| New Hampshire | #246 | 5 |
| Arkansas | #278 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #344 | 13 |
| Minnesota | #349 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Emelia is usually pronounced ih-MEE-lee-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Emelia
A few middle names that flow with Emelia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emelia
Similar names
Natalia Girl
nuh-TAHL-yuh
“Christmas Day” · Latin
#144
Cecilia Girl
sih-SEEL-yuh
“from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'” · Latin
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Alivia Girl
uh-LIV-ee-uh
“variant of Olivia” · American (modern coinage)
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Magnolia Girl
mag-NOHL-yuh
“the magnolia flower” · Latin
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Aurelia Girl
aw-REEL-yuh
“golden” · Latin
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Livia Girl
LIV-ee-uh
“from the Roman family name Livius” · Latin
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Lilia Girl
LIHL-ee-uh
“lily” · Latin
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Amelia Girl
uh-MEEL-yuh
“work” · Germanic
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Sylvia Girl
SIHL-vee-uh
“forest” · Latin
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Gloria Girl
GLAW-ree-uh
“glory” · Latin
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Virginia Girl
vur-JIHN-yuh
“from the Roman name Verginius” · Latin
#526
Cecelia Girl
suh-SEEL-yuh
“from a Roman family name” · Latin
#529
Lists that include Emelia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emelia mean?
Emelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “form of Emilia; rival”.
What is the origin of the name Emelia?
Emelia has Latin roots. Emelia is a variant spelling of Emilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, which is usually linked to the Latin aemulus, "rival" or "striving to equal".
Is Emelia a popular name?
Yes. Emelia ranked #601 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Emelia a boy or girl name?
Emelia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Emelia?
Emelia is usually pronounced ih-MEE-lee-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings