Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Emmeline
GirlGermanic, French· “work”
- Meaning
- work
- Origin
- Germanic, French
- Pronunciation
- EH-muh-leen
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #922
- US babies 2025
- 284
- Best rank
- #753 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Emmeline
Emmeline is a Germanic and French name that is usually said to mean “work”.
Emmeline came to England with the Normans as Emeline, a diminutive of Germanic names beginning with amal, often interpreted as "work." Some sources link it instead to ermen, "whole," the root behind Emma, so the meaning carries some uncertainty. Emmeline was used in medieval England and revived in the nineteenth century. It is strongly associated with Emmeline Pankhurst, the British suffragette leader who campaigned for women's right to vote. Today the name feels delicate yet determined, a vintage choice that shortens easily to Emmy, Emme, or Em.
Popularity over time
Emmeline first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 12 different years, starting in 2014. Its best national rank was #753 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 370 babies. In 2025, 284 babies were named Emmeline, and it ranked #922 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,717 in 1920, #6,033 in 1980, #2,642 in 2000, #1,571 in 2010, and #922 in 2025. Of the 6,152 US girls named Emmeline since records began, 47% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,729 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Itzayana, Amaris, Aubriella, Tinley, and Aubrielle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emmeline ranked highest in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #417 | 10 |
| Idaho | #427 | 5 |
| Colorado | #434 | 13 |
| Massachusetts | #450 | 12 |
| Wisconsin | #651 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Emmeline is usually pronounced EH-muh-leen, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with E and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Emmeline
A few middle names that flow with Emmeline: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emmeline
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Lists that include Emmeline
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emmeline mean?
Emmeline is a Germanic and French name that is usually said to mean “work”.
What is the origin of the name Emmeline?
Emmeline has Germanic and French roots. Emmeline came to England with the Normans as Emeline, a diminutive of Germanic names beginning with amal, often interpreted as "work." Some sources link it instead to ermen, "whole," the root behind Emma, so the meaning carries some uncertainty.
Is Emmeline a popular name?
Yes. Emmeline ranked #922 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Emmeline a boy or girl name?
Emmeline is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Emmeline?
Emmeline is usually pronounced EH-muh-leen. 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