Declining since 2003, #5,099 for girls today.
Popularity of Emelie since 1880
Babies named Emelie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Emelie's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 80 |
| 1890s | 79 |
| 1900s | 71 |
| 1910s | 101 |
| 1920s | 131 |
| 1930s | 131 |
| 1940s | 109 |
| 1950s | 52 |
| 1960s | 40 |
| 1970s | 67 |
| 1980s | 120 |
| 1990s | 331 |
| 2000s | 585 |
| 2010s | 516 |
| 2020s | 199 |
Meaning & origin
Emelie is a Swedish and Norwegian variant of Emily, a name with ancient Germanic roots through the Roman family name Aemilius. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1880, reaching its peak rank of 5,099 that same year. However, its usage has been in decline since 2003, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional European spellings. Currently, it sees the most use in California, and it remains a rare but recognizable choice for parents seeking a classic name with a Scandinavian twist.
Emelie is a Swedish and Norwegian spelling variant of Emily, which derives from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'industrious'. It has been used in Scandinavia since the 19th century, often as a feminine form of Emil.
Where Emelie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Emelie” around the world
Where Emelie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmie, Lee
Sibling names for Emelie
Names that share Emelie's style, for a brother or sister.
