Rising since 1985, #741 for girls today.
Popularity of Emerald since 1904
Babies named Emerald per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 17 | 6 |
| 1910s | 82 | 68 |
| 1920s | 78 | 119 |
| 1930s | 11 | 43 |
| 1940s | 29 | 6 |
| 1950s | 31 | 11 |
| 1960s | 42 | 5 |
| 1970s | 152 | 5 |
| 1980s | 935 | 19 |
| 1990s | 2,212 | 0 |
| 2000s | 1,836 | 40 |
| 2010s | 2,012 | 92 |
| 2020s | 2,081 | 124 |
Meaning & origin
Emerald is a jewel name that has been in use since 1904, when it first appeared on U.S. records. Its popularity has climbed steadily since the mid-1980s, reaching its peak in 2024. Currently ranked 741, it is given to about 1 in every 4,379 girls. The name is especially favored in Nevada, Idaho, and Mississippi. As a gemstone name, it fits a long tradition of nature-inspired choices for girls, alongside Ruby and Pearl.
Emerald derives from Old French 'esmeraude' and ultimately from Greek 'smaragdos', meaning 'green gem'. The name entered English use as a jewel name in the late 19th century, part of the Victorian fashion for gemstone names. It has been used steadily since 1904, with a notable rise in recent decades.
Where Emerald 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmie, Rald
Sibling names for Emerald
Names that share Emerald's style, for a brother or sister.
