MallowbyNames

Emiel

AY-meel · Of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Latin name Aemilius, meaning 'rival'.

2025 rank (boys)
#9,714
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
1921
2025 frequency
1 in 244,011 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.

Popularity of Emiel since 1914

Babies named Emiel per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4711192019602000Most births 1921Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s31
1920s41
1930s11
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s5
2010s5
2020s17

Meaning & origin

Emiel is a Dutch and Polish variant of Emil, itself derived from the Latin Aemilius. In the United States, the name has been in use since at least 1914, but it has never broken into the mainstream. Its peak popularity occurred in 1921, though even then it was exceedingly rare. As of 2025, it ranks 9,714th, with an incidence of about 1 in 244,011 births. The name has remained stable in usage over the past century, never experiencing a dramatic surge or decline. Emiel is most frequently encountered in the Netherlands and Belgium, and its simple, melodic sound fits well with modern naming trends favoring short, vowel-heavy names. The name lacks strong ties to any specific U.S. state, appearing sporadically across the country. For parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional European name with a gentle sound, Emiel offers a subtle alternative to more common variants like Emil or Émile.

Emiel is the Dutch and Polish variant of the Roman family name Aemilius. The name was borne by early Christian saints, including a 4th-century martyr, and has been used continuously in the Low Countries and Poland. In modern times, it remains more common in the Netherlands and Flanders than in English-speaking countries.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Miel, Eem

Variants: Emil, Émile, Aemilius

Sibling names for Emiel

Names that share Emiel's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Emma, Lena, Mila, Sophie, Anna

Brothers: Daan, Finn, Lucas, Noah, Thijs

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Emiel, our favorite little boy.

E is for Emiel…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Emiel's letter becomes Emiel's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Emiel's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Emiel mean?
Emiel is a variant of Emil, derived from the Roman family name Aemilius, which likely means 'rival' or 'eager'.
How popular is the name Emiel?
Emiel is relatively rare. In the most recent year (2025), it ranked 9,714th in the U.S., with about 1 in 244,011 newborn boys given the name.
Is Emiel a boy's name or a girl's name?
Emiel is traditionally a masculine name, most commonly given to boys in the Netherlands and Belgium.