Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Emi
GirlJapanese· “blessing and beauty, depending on kanji”
- Meaning
- blessing and beauty, depending on kanji
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- EH-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #882
- US babies 2025
- 303
- Best rank
- #882 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Emi
Emi is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “blessing and beauty, depending on kanji”.
Emi is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it; common versions combine characters meaning blessing, smile or favor with beauty. It is a popular girls' name in Japan and is also used as a short form of Emily or Emilia in English. Emi sounds light, sweet and simple, with two syllables. It pairs well with longer middle names. Its short, open sound makes it easy to pronounce in many languages.
Popularity over time
Emi first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 2024. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #882, and its highest count, 303 babies. Use has grown 80% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #5,211 in 1920, #5,535 in 1950, #2,448 in 1980, #2,641 in 2000, #1,833 in 2010, and #882 in 2025. Of the 4,360 US girls named Emi since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,314 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Colbie, Odette, Siya, Tilly, and Reya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emi ranked highest in Hawaii, California, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #19 | 18 |
| California | #393 | 84 |
| Washington | #462 | 15 |
| Arizona | #646 | 10 |
| Utah | #740 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Emi is usually pronounced EH-mee, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with E and ends in “-mi”.
Middle names for Emi
A few middle names that flow with Emi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emi
Similar names
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Lists that include Emi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emi mean?
Emi is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “blessing and beauty, depending on kanji”.
What is the origin of the name Emi?
Emi has Japanese roots. Emi is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it; common versions combine characters meaning blessing, smile or favor with beauty.
Is Emi a popular name?
Yes. Emi ranked #882 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Emi a boy or girl name?
Emi is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Emi?
Emi is usually pronounced EH-mee. 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