Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Emil
BoyGerman, Latin· “rival (from Aemilius)”
- Meaning
- rival (from Aemilius)
- Origin
- German, Latin
- Pronunciation
- AY-mil
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,269
- US babies 2025
- 155
- Best rank
- #90 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1917
Meaning and origin of Emil
Emil is a German and Latin name that is usually said to mean “rival (from Aemilius)”.
From the Latin Aemilius, a Roman family name traditionally linked to aemulus, 'rival' or 'eager', come the German and Scandinavian Emil. The French Emile gained fame through Rousseau's treatise on education, and Erich Kastner's children's novel Emil and the Detectives made the name beloved in Germany. Emil is popular across Europe and has a gentle, classic sound. Emile and Emilio are related forms. It is short and easy to pronounce in English, and it offers a quieter alternative to Emmett or Emilio for parents who want European flair.
Popularity over time
Emil 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 104 different years. Its best national rank was #90 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1917, when 1,004 were named Emil. In 2025, 155 babies were named Emil, and it ranked #1,269 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #167 in 1920, #463 in 1950, #955 in 1980, #1,403 in 2000, #1,528 in 2010, and #1,269 in 2025. Of the 33,096 US boys named Emil since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 6,701 babies. Since 2010, 2,234 more have been named Emil.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ben, Bert, Adolph, Wilson, and Julius.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emil ranked highest in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #569 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #584 | 16 |
| New Jersey | #616 | 11 |
| Washington | #653 | 10 |
| New York | #854 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Emil is usually pronounced AY-mil, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Emil
A few middle names that flow with Emil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emil
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Lists that include Emil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emil mean?
Emil is a German and Latin name that is usually said to mean “rival (from Aemilius)”.
What is the origin of the name Emil?
Emil has German and Latin roots. From the Latin Aemilius, a Roman family name traditionally linked to aemulus, 'rival' or 'eager', come the German and Scandinavian Emil.
Is Emil a popular name?
Not especially. Emil ranked #1,269 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Emil a boy or girl name?
Emil is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Emil?
Emil is usually pronounced AY-mil. 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