Declining since 2017, #2,751 for girls today.
Popularity of Emeline since 1880
Babies named Emeline per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Emeline's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 132 |
| 1890s | 160 |
| 1900s | 161 |
| 1910s | 353 |
| 1920s | 257 |
| 1930s | 125 |
| 1940s | 71 |
| 1950s | 75 |
| 1960s | 69 |
| 1970s | 72 |
| 1980s | 96 |
| 1990s | 252 |
| 2000s | 511 |
| 2010s | 875 |
| 2020s | 403 |
Meaning & origin
Emeline, a name with roots in medieval England, has been in use since at least 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its peak popularity came in 1886, reflecting the Victorian fondness for delicate, feminine names. Though it has since declined, the name has experienced a modest uptick in recent years, particularly since 2017, when it began a gradual upward trajectory. The name is most common in Virginia and California, suggesting a modern preference for vintage revivals. With a current rank of 2,751 and a rarity of about 1 in 25,924 births, Emeline remains a distinctive choice that balances historical depth with a soft, melodic sound.
Emeline is a medieval English diminutive of the Germanic name Amalia, which itself derives from the root *amal- meaning 'work' or 'industrious.' It was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in the Middle Ages before fading. The name saw a brief revival in the 19th century, partly through literary use, and is known for its antique charm.
Where Emeline is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Emeline” around the world
Where Emeline lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmie, Lina, Meline
Sibling names for Emeline
Names that share Emeline's style, for a brother or sister.
