Rising since 1985, #179 for boys today.
Popularity of Emmanuel since 1898
Babies named Emmanuel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Emmanuel's real moment was 2015.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 19 |
| 1910s | 229 |
| 1920s | 352 |
| 1930s | 332 |
| 1940s | 393 |
| 1950s | 787 |
| 1960s | 1,219 |
| 1970s | 2,157 |
| 1980s | 9,771 |
| 1990s | 14,176 |
| 2000s | 23,539 |
| 2010s | 25,237 |
| 2020s | 12,863 |
Meaning & origin
Emmanuel has been in consistent use in the United States since at least 1898, the first year recorded in Social Security data. Its popularity has grown steadily, especially since 1985, when it began a long upward trajectory. The name reached its peak rank in 2015, placing high among biblical choices. With a current rank of 179 in 2025 and a 1-in-839 incidence, it remains a strong, culturally resonant name. Its top states in recent years include Rhode Island, Arizona, and Texas, reflecting its particular appeal in communities with large Hispanic populations, where the variant Manuel is also common.
Emmanuel is the English form of the Hebrew name Immanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל), which appears in the Book of Isaiah as a prophetic name foretelling the birth of a child who would embody divine presence. It was adopted into Greek as Emmanuel and into Latin as Emmanuel. The name has been used across Christian cultures, especially in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it has long been a common given name.
Where Emmanuel 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.
“Emmanuel” around the world
Where Emmanuel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
195
babies in 2024
Ireland
15
babies in 2025
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Quebec
54
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Manny, Em, Emmy, Manu
Sibling names for Emmanuel
Names that share Emmanuel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Isabella, Gabriella, Amelia, Sophia, Olivia, Caprice, Domonique, Manuela, Emmanuella, Emmanuela, Manuella, Jasmarie, Julianny, Estefanny, Manelyk, Emanuella, Ineza, Lianette, Maryela, Monserath, Rosangelica, Yaqueline
Brothers: Nathaniel, Gabriel, Benjamin, Samuel, Isaiah, Ismael, Serafin, Januel, Jassiel, Oseas
Names like Emmanuel
Names whose popularity has moved with Emmanuel's over the last 50 years.
