Rising since 1986, #4,352 for girls today.
Popularity of Emeli since 1986
Babies named Emeli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 152 |
| 2000s | 651 |
| 2010s | 423 |
| 2020s | 175 |
Meaning & origin
Emeli is a modern spelling variant of the classic Emily, which has been in steady use in English-speaking countries for centuries. Its peak popularity in 2005 coincides with the broader trend of names ending in 'eli' or 'ee' sounds. In 2025, Emeli ranked 4,352, with a 1-in-50,227 birth rate. The name is most common in Texas and California, reflecting a preference for simplified spellings in the southwestern United States. Although its earliest recorded use is only 1986, Emeli fits a pattern of names that feel both familiar and fresh, contributing to its gradual rise in recent decades.
Emeli is a variant of Emily, which comes from the Latin family name Aemilia, derived from aemulus meaning 'rival' or 'industrious'. The name Emily was popularized in England after the Norman Conquest and has seen many spelling variations, including Emeli, which emerged as a modern simplified form.
Where Emeli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmy, Eli
Sibling names for Emeli
Names that share Emeli's style, for a brother or sister.
