Holding steady.
Popularity of Emerita since 1919
Babies named Emerita per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1982, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Emerita's real moment was 1935.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 19 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 19 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Emerita is a rare Latin-derived name that peaked in usage during the 1930s, with the highest recorded year being 1935. Despite its long history, the name has never broken into the top 1000 rankings in the United States; indeed, its rank remains null in official data. The name is linked to the city of Mérida, Spain, originally named Emerita Augusta by Emperor Augustus for his retired soldiers. Emerita's trajectory since its 1919 first recorded use has been stable, never experiencing a boom or revival. Today, it remains an uncommon choice, frequently appreciated by parents drawn to its distinguished meaning and historical resonance.
Emerita is the feminine form of the Latin word "emeritus," meaning "veteran" or "having served one's time." It was used in ancient Rome to refer to a soldier who had completed his service. The name has also been associated with the city of Mérida in Spain, originally called "Emerita Augusta" by Emperor Augustus for his retired soldiers. In modern contexts, "emerita" is used as a title for a woman who has retired from a position of honor, such as a professor emerita.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Eme, Rita, Meri
Sibling names for Emerita
Names that share Emerita's style, for a brother or sister.
