A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Emory since 1880
Babies named Emory per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Emory's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 372 |
| 1890s | 0 | 362 |
| 1900s | 0 | 461 |
| 1910s | 21 | 1,728 |
| 1920s | 41 | 2,502 |
| 1930s | 29 | 1,905 |
| 1940s | 24 | 1,804 |
| 1950s | 16 | 1,440 |
| 1960s | 5 | 1,132 |
| 1970s | 11 | 682 |
| 1980s | 73 | 595 |
| 1990s | 375 | 664 |
| 2000s | 1,309 | 1,176 |
| 2010s | 4,182 | 2,450 |
| 2020s | 4,706 | 1,697 |
Meaning & origin
Emory is a unisex name with a notable history. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 883 in 2025, though its peak year for usage was 1902. After a period of decline, the name has been rising in popularity since 1986, reflecting a modern revival. Geographically, Emory is most common in Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia. Its etymology is uncertain, likely derived from the German Emmerich or an Irish surname. The name has a soft, surname-style feel that fits current naming trends for both boys and girls.
Emory is likely a variant of the surname Emery, which derives from the Old German name Emmerich, composed of elements meaning 'work' or 'home' and 'power' or 'ruler'. The name entered English through Norman influence and was occasionally used as a given name in the 19th century. It may also be a respelling of the Irish surname Emory, though the connection is uncertain.
Where Emory 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmy, Rory
Sibling names for Emory
Names that share Emory's style, for a brother or sister.
