Rising since 1989, #551 for boys today.
Popularity of Emir since 1970
Babies named Emir per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 54 |
| 1980s | 70 |
| 1990s | 204 |
| 2000s | 879 |
| 2010s | 1,595 |
| 2020s | 2,813 |
Meaning & origin
Emir is a name of Arabic origin, meaning 'commander' or 'prince.' First recorded in the United States in 1970, it has shown a steady upward trajectory since 1989, reaching its peak rank of 551 in 2025. Currently, about 1 in 3,128 boys receives the name. Its top states include Connecticut, Maryland, and Georgia, reflecting a concentrated but broadening appeal. As a title turned given name, Emir carries a sense of authority and heritage, bridging traditional Islamic culture with modern usage.
Emir derives from the Arabic word 'amir, meaning 'commander' or 'prince.' Historically, it was a title used for military commanders and rulers in the Islamic world, particularly in the medieval period. The title was also used in the Ottoman Empire and persists in several modern monarchies, such as the Emir of Kuwait. As a given name, Emir has gained popularity across the Arabic-speaking world and among other Muslim communities.
Where Emir is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Emir” around the world
Where Emir lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
195
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Emir
Names that share Emir's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Layla, Zara, Noor, Yara, Sofia, Elif, Dilara, Esma, Lejla, Melek, Nazli, Yasemin, Adalet, Cennet, Esmeray, Melis, Sibel, Beyza, Arzu, Betul, Ilayda, Meral, Merve, Nejla, Sejla
Brothers: Omar, Ali, Zayn, Khalid, Rayan, Demir, Adem, Arda, Enes, Erol, Kaan, Kerem, Admir, Berk, Burak, Ekin, Kagan, Kerim, Orhan, Suleyman, Timur, Aras, Arslan, Furkan, Teoman, Ulas
