Rising since 1986, #121 for boys today.
Popularity of Emmett since 1880
Babies named Emmett per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 901 |
| 1890s | 1,136 |
| 1900s | 1,187 |
| 1910s | 4,190 |
| 1920s | 5,433 |
| 1930s | 3,559 |
| 1940s | 3,432 |
| 1950s | 2,988 |
| 1960s | 2,032 |
| 1970s | 1,334 |
| 1980s | 1,072 |
| 1990s | 1,640 |
| 2000s | 4,070 |
| 2010s | 26,161 |
| 2020s | 19,429 |
Meaning & origin
Emmett is a name with a complex and debated etymology, likely emerging from multiple sources. It has been in steady use since at least 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. birth records. After a period of decline, the name began rising again in 1986 and reached its peak rank in 2021, reflecting a resurgence of vintage names. In 2025, it ranks 121st nationally, with about 1 in 579 boys receiving the name. Emmett is particularly favored in states like Alaska, Vermont, and Minnesota. Its enduring appeal may stem from its strong, simple sound and its association with Irish history through patriot Robert Emmet.
The etymology of Emmett is uncertain. It may be a masculine form of the name Emma, which itself derives from the Germanic word ermen meaning 'whole' or 'universal'. Alternatively, it could be an English habitational surname from places named Emmet, or a variant of the medieval name Emmet, a diminutive of Emma. Another possibility is that it comes from the Old English word æmette meaning 'ant', which was used as a nickname. Emmett has been in use as a given name since the 19th century, particularly in Ireland where it was adopted in honor of the nationalist Robert Emmet.
Where Emmett 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.
“Emmett” around the world
Where Emmett lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
New Zealand
15
babies in 2025
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmie, Emmy
Sibling names for Emmett
Names that share Emmett's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ella, Maeve, Nora, Clara, Hazel, Geneva, Sylvie, Aleta, Almira, Arden, Emersyn, Everlee, Renesmee, Alysse, Analee, Ardella, Arnetta, Aspyn, Elvie, Emberlynn, Emmersyn, Emrie, Kinsleigh, Luetta, Marlie, Rozella, Ambree, Aynsley, Burnette, Clorissa, Delayne, Ebbie, Ellory, Embree, Emersen, Emmery, Francena, Janeva, Johnnetta, Jolette, Kennah, Loxley, Lynett, Merline, Ovella, Robinette, Wanetta, Wynema, Addley, Anneth, Brisia, Dalayza, Edeline, Ellowyn, Emeree, Emmagene, Emmerie, Emmory, Enzley, Evaleigh, Evalise, Evetta, Ezlynn, Gwenetta, Hazleigh, Juanell, Junetta, Lailyn, Lillyonna, Lizzett, Maevry, Mavie, Nelsy, Paisly, Renesme, Arvetta, Adamarie, Adelee, Adelei, Alonnah, Alonnie, Ambrie, Annastyn, Armentha, Arnella, Cresta, Ellesse, Emilene, Emmabelle, Emmogene, Emony, Espyn, Eulanda, Everliegh, Imajean, Kopelyn, Lodie, Lunden, Marguerette, Marveline, Maybrie, Norelle, Raynah, Tenna
Brothers: Owen, Finn, Miles, Henry, Liam, Ellis, Everett, Jameson, Lincoln, Cullen, Everette, Merrick, Quinten, Sterling, Aldon, Andersen, Elgie, Heston, Niles, Noland, Perrin, Roan, Aidric, Becket, Corvin, Elridge, Elston, Emitt, Erion, Everet, Everhett, Everitt, Lemoyne, Tevis, Thurmon, Arwin, Bartlett, Edis, Emric, Emrick, Everrett, Juddson, Mingo, Ollen, Quentyn, Rhyett, Barett, Othal, Emett, Ferron, Gabrien, Keddrick, Myrick, Ridgely, Ryman, Staton, Wyler, Zandyr
Names like Emmett
Names whose popularity has moved with Emmett's over the last 50 years.
