MallowbyNames

Emilija

eh-MEE-lee-yah · Of uncertain origin; likely a feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, possibly meaning "rival" or "eager."

2025 rank (girls)
#14,942
Babies named in 2025
5
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 321,453 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2019

Declining since 2019, #14,942 for girls today.

Popularity of Emilija since 1989

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

611171990200020102020Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s5
1990s16
2000s89
2010s116
2020s68

Meaning & origin

Emilija is a rare and distinctive name in the United States, with first recorded use in 1989. It reached its peak popularity in 2023, with a ranking of 14,942 in 2025 and approximately 1 in 321,453 baby girls receiving the name that year. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2019, indicating it is currently falling in use. Emilija is a Lithuanian and Croatian variant of the more common Emilia, sharing roots in the Latin family name Aemilius. Though not among the most popular names, its melodic sound and international flair make it a choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet familiar.

Emilija is a feminine given name found primarily in Baltic and Slavic languages, particularly Lithuanian and Croatian. It is a cognate of Emily and Emilia, derived from the Roman nomen Aemilius, which may trace to the Latin word aemulus, meaning "rival." The name has been in use in Lithuania and Croatia since the late 19th century, gaining wider recognition in recent decades.

Emilija” around the world

Where Emilija lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • Ireland

    6

    babies in 2025

Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Emi, Mila, Lija, Em

Variants: Emilia, Emily, Emilie, Emilee

Sibling names for Emilija

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

Sisters: Sofia, Mia, Elena, Lea, Nora

Brothers: Luka, Mateo, Noah, Liam, Ivan, Andrius, Markas, Matas

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

E is for Emilija, our favorite little girl.

E is for Emilija…”

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

Make Emilija's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Emilija mean?
The meaning of Emilija is uncertain, but it is likely a feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, possibly meaning "rival" or "eager."
How popular is Emilija?
Emilija is rare in the United States, ranked 14,942 in 2025 with about 1 in 321,453 baby girls given the name that year. Its peak popularity was in 2023.
Is Emilija a boy or girl name?
Emilija is exclusively used as a girl's name.