Rising since 1986, #154 for girls today.
Popularity of Ember since 1946
Babies named Ember per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 8 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 285 |
| 1980s | 463 |
| 1990s | 629 |
| 2000s | 1,598 |
| 2010s | 8,583 |
| 2020s | 10,992 |
Meaning & origin
Ember first appeared as a given name in 1946 but remained rare for decades. Its popularity began a steady climb in the late 1980s, and by 2024 it reached its peak rank. In 2025, the name ranked 154th, with about 1 in 823 births. Ember is most common in states like Wyoming, Alaska, and South Dakota, reflecting its appeal in regions with a rugged, natural aesthetic. The name's trajectory has been rising sharply since the 2020s, making it a modern favorite among parents drawn to fiery, elemental names.
Ember is a direct adoption of the English vocabulary word for a small, glowing piece of fire. It began to be used as a given name in the mid-20th century, with the first recorded occurrence in 1946. Its rise in popularity, especially from the 1980s onward, reflects a broader trend of using evocative nature and elemental words as names.
Where Ember is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ember” around the world
Where Ember lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmie
Sibling names for Ember
Names that share Ember's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurora, Willow, Hazel, Ivy, Ruby, Oaklee, Storm, Stormi, Wynter, Rayven, Tempest, Hazelynn, Riverlynn, Tymber, Alannie, Dimond, Emoree, Ezlyn, Jlyn, Koralee, Mayzee, Phoenyx, Ambrie, Arli, Aspynn, Jevaeh, Lovelee, Phenyx, Riverleigh, Storme, Timberlee, Zeplyn
Brothers: Asher, Cedar, Finn, Jasper, Silas, Blaze, Jagger, Phoenix, Blayze, Kanyon, Aceson, Creek, Devere, Shyne, Tyger, Xzander, Drako, Emric, Hayzen, Kayzen, Wave, Coal, Cylan, Thunder, Warrior
Names like Ember
Names whose popularity has moved with Ember's over the last 50 years.
