Declining since 2019, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Emlyn since 1954
Babies named Emlyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 102 |
| 2010s | 186 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Emlyn is a rare and gently used name in the United States, first recorded in 1954. Its peak came in 2018, and since 2019 its usage has been falling. In the most recent year (2025), Emlyn ranked 9,457th with approximately 1 in 160,727 newborns receiving the name. While its origins are Welsh and its exact meaning is debated, Emlyn offers a soft, melodic sound that feels both familiar and distinctive. It has never been concentrated in any single state, reflecting its nationwide but sparse use. For parents seeking a Welsh heritage name that is uncommon but not unfamiliar, Emlyn provides a subtle alternative to more popular choices like Emily or Emma.
Emlyn is a Welsh name of uncertain derivation. It may be a feminine form of Emrys, the Welsh version of Ambrose, meaning 'immortal'. Alternatively, it could be a Welsh variant of Emily, which derives from the Roman family name Aemilius. The name has been used in Wales since at least the 19th century, with occasional use outside of Wales in modern times.
Sibling names for Emlyn
Names that share Emlyn's style, for a brother or sister.
