Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Emir
BoyArabic, Turkish· “prince, commander”
- Meaning
- prince, commander
- Origin
- Arabic, Turkish
- Pronunciation
- eh-MEER
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #551
- US babies 2025
- 546
- Best rank
- #551 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Emir
Emir is an Arabic and Turkish name that means “prince, commander”.
Emir is the Turkish and Bosnian form of the Arabic title amir, meaning "prince" or "commander." The word was used for rulers and military leaders across the Islamic world, and it survives in the name of the United Arab Emirates. As a given name, Emir is common in Turkey and the Balkans. The film director Emir Kusturica, born in Sarajevo, is a well-known bearer. Emir is short, strong, and easy to pronounce, with the stress on the second syllable, and it carries a sense of leadership and dignity.
Popularity over time
Emir first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 2019. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #551, and its highest count, 546 babies. Use has grown 271% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #5,105 in 1980, #2,180 in 2000, #1,545 in 2010, and #551 in 2025. Of the 5,615 US boys named Emir since records began, 50% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,595 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Eliseo, Ozzy, Fletcher, Augustine, and Chosen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emir ranked highest in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #303 | 10 |
| Maryland | #333 | 16 |
| New Jersey | #360 | 23 |
| Illinois | #367 | 29 |
| New York | #369 | 48 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Emir is usually pronounced eh-MEER, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-ir”.
Middle names for Emir
A few middle names that flow with Emir: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emir
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Lists that include Emir
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emir mean?
Emir is an Arabic and Turkish name that means “prince, commander”.
What is the origin of the name Emir?
Emir has Arabic and Turkish roots. Emir is the Turkish and Bosnian form of the Arabic title amir, meaning "prince" or "commander." The word was used for rulers and military leaders across the Islamic world, and it survives in the name of the United Arab Emirates.
Is Emir a popular name?
Yes. Emir ranked #551 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Emir a boy or girl name?
Emir is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Emir?
Emir is usually pronounced eh-MEER. 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