Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Emmy
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “short for Emily or Emma”
- Meaning
- short for Emily or Emma
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- EH-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #445
- US babies 2025
- 695
- Best rank
- #445 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Emmy
Emmy is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “short for Emily or Emma”.
Emmy began as a pet form of Emily, Emma, Emmeline and similar names. Emma comes from the Germanic ermen, "whole" or "universal", while Emily comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, usually linked to aemulus, "rival". Emmy has been used as a given name in its own right since the nineteenth century, and in Thackeray's novel Vanity Fair, Amelia Sedley is affectionately called Emmy. Many people also know the Emmy Awards for television. The name is sweet, lively and easy to say, a cheerful alternative to longer forms that still has a vintage feel.
Other spellings with the same sound: Emmie, Emmi.
Popularity over time
Emmy first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 1885. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #445, and its highest count, 695 babies. Use has grown 49% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,836 in 1920, #2,276 in 1950, #1,374 in 1980, #2,023 in 2000, #945 in 2010, and #445 in 2025. Of the 12,963 US girls named Emmy since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,766 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Calliope, Lyra, Amirah, Vienna, and Clementine.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Emmy ranked highest in Delaware, Utah, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #149 | 6 |
| Utah | #242 | 19 |
| Tennessee | #266 | 29 |
| Oregon | #278 | 13 |
| New Jersey | #298 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Emmy is usually pronounced EH-mee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-my”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Emmie and Emmi.
Middle names for Emmy
A few middle names that flow with Emmy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Emmy
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Lists that include Emmy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emmy mean?
Emmy is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “short for Emily or Emma”.
What is the origin of the name Emmy?
Emmy has English and Germanic roots. Emmy began as a pet form of Emily, Emma, Emmeline and similar names.
Is Emmy a popular name?
Yes. Emmy ranked #445 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Emmy a boy or girl name?
Emmy is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Emmy?
Emmy 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