Declining since 2015, #3,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Emsley since 2006
Babies named Emsley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 39 |
| 2010s | 538 |
| 2020s | 220 |
Meaning & origin
Emsley is a modern American coinage that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 2006, part of the trend toward surname-style names ending in 'ley'. Its popularity peaked in 2015, when it ranked highest, but has since been falling. In 2025, the name ranked 3,645th with a frequency of 1 in 39,202 births. Emsley is most common in North Carolina (NC), where it has a notable concentration. The name's Scottish heritage gives it a touch of tradition, while its sound aligns with contemporaries like Ainsley and Paisley, making it a choice for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. As a rare name, it offers individuality without being unfamiliar.
Emsley is a modern given name derived from the Scottish surname Emslie or Emmsley, which in turn originates from a place name meaning 'Emm's clearing' (Old English 'Emm' a personal name + 'leah' meaning clearing or meadow). The surname was originally found in southeastern Scotland. As a first name, Emsley emerged in the United States in the early 2000s, likely influenced by similar-sounding names like Ainsley and Paisley.
Where Emsley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Em, Emmy
Sibling names for Emsley
Names that share Emsley's style, for a brother or sister.
