Emiliano
BoySpanish, Latin· “from Aemilius, possibly 'rival'”
- Meaning
- from Aemilius, possibly 'rival'
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- eh-mee-lee-AH-noh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #94
- US babies 2025
- 3,701
- Best rank
- #94 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Emiliano
Emiliano is a Spanish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Aemilius, possibly 'rival'”.
Emiliano is the Spanish and Italian form of the Latin Aemilianus, meaning belonging to Aemilius. Aemilius was an old Roman family name, often connected to the Latin aemulus, meaning rival or eager to excel, though that link is not certain. The name is strongly associated with Emiliano Zapata, a leader of the Mexican Revolution and a lasting symbol of land reform and rural rights. Emiliano sounds warm and musical, with four syllables that roll easily. It has become a favorite among Spanish-speaking families in the United States, and Emi or Nano can serve as affectionate nicknames.
Popularity over time
Emiliano first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1885. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #94, and its highest count, 3,701 babies. Use has grown 121% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,594 in 1920, #2,135 in 1950, #1,206 in 1980, #634 in 2000, #240 in 2010, and #94 in 2025. Of the 42,844 US boys named Emiliano since records began, 39% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 16,089 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Amir, Eithan, Archer, Myles, and Gael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emiliano ranked highest in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #21 | 1,075 |
| Arizona | #24 | 175 |
| New Mexico | #28 | 39 |
| Nevada | #36 | 58 |
| Texas | #38 | 728 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Emiliano is usually pronounced eh-mee-lee-AH-noh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with E and ends in “-no”.
Middle names for Emiliano
A few middle names that flow with Emiliano: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emiliano
Similar names
Lists that include Emiliano
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emiliano mean?
Emiliano is a Spanish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Aemilius, possibly 'rival'”.
What is the origin of the name Emiliano?
Emiliano has Spanish and Latin roots. Emiliano is the Spanish and Italian form of the Latin Aemilianus, meaning belonging to Aemilius.
Is Emiliano a popular name?
Yes. Emiliano ranked #94 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Emiliano a boy or girl name?
Emiliano is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Emiliano?
Emiliano is usually pronounced eh-mee-lee-AH-noh. 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