The nameEmil
Emil is the German and Scandinavian form of Emile. It was a top 100 American name in the 1880s.
- Boy's name
- Latin
Meaning
Emil comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, often linked to aemulus, "rival, eager".
Origin
Latin.
History
In the United States Emil reached 90th in 1881. Astrid Lindgren's Emil of Lönneberga is a Swedish favourite.
Did you know?
- At the 1952 Helsinki Games, Emil Zátopek won the 5,000 metres, the 10,000 metres and the marathon, his first ever.
Famous people named Emil
- Emil Zátopek, runner
- Emil Nolde, painter
- Emil Forsberg, footballer
Popularity of the name Emil
Emil in the United States
Emil was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 7,238 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Emil. Half of all babies named Emil in the United States were born before 1927, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 167 births a year on average, against 136 in the five years before.
Emil in the United Kingdom
Emil was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 589 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Emil. Half of all babies named Emil in the United Kingdom were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 48 births a year on average, against 57 in the five years before.
Emil in France
Emil in Belgium
Emil in Switzerland
Emil in Austria
Emil in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Emil
Names from the same generation as Emil, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Emil? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Emil with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Emil side by side with the name of your choice.
Emil in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emil mean?
Emil comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, often linked to aemulus, "rival, eager".
What is the origin of the name Emil?
Latin.
Is Emil a girl's or a boy's name?
Emil is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Emil?
In 2024, Emil was the 1250th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 158 births.
What are the variants of the name Emil?
Variants and related names of Emil include Émile.
What are good sibling names for Emil?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Lucie, Giulia, Klara and Alba for a sister, Marcel, Gus, Lucius and Blaise for a brother.
Who are famous people named Emil?
Emil Zátopek, runner; Emil Nolde, painter; Emil Forsberg, footballer.