MallowbyNames

Emyr

EM-ear · One reliable meaning is 'king' or 'lord'; however, its exact derivation is debated.

2025 rank (boys)
#4,857
Babies named in 2025
20
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 85,404 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2013

Rising since 2013, #4,857 for boys today.

Popularity of Emyr since 2007

Babies named Emyr per year in U.S. Social Security records.

7142120102020Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s11
2010s17
2020s99

Meaning & origin

Emyr is a Welsh name with ancient roots, traditionally interpreted as meaning 'king' or 'lord'. While its etymology is debated, it has been part of Welsh naming tradition for centuries. In the United States, Emyr is a very rare name; it first appeared in SSA data in 2007 and has been rising in use since 2013. In 2018, it reached a peak rank of 4,857, with an incidence of 1 in 85,404 boys. The name has not yet appeared in any state-level top lists, reflecting its niche appeal. Emyr offers a strong, consonant-rich sound that fits well with other Welsh names like Ioan and Dafydd, making it a choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic heritage.

Emyr is a Welsh name traditionally understood to mean 'king' or 'lord', possibly from the Old Welsh word 'emer' meaning 'to deserve' or 'to fit'. The name appears in medieval Welsh legend and has been used in Wales as a given name for centuries. In modern times, it remains a distinctive choice within Welsh-speaking communities.

Emyr” around the world

Where Emyr lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Emrys

Sibling names for Emyr

Names that share Emyr's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Eira, Alys, Catrin, Llio, Megan

Brothers: Ioan, Dafydd, Tudur, Alun, Gruffudd

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Emyr, our favorite little boy.

E is for Emyr…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Emyr's letter becomes Emyr's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Emyr's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Emyr mean?
Emyr is generally thought to mean 'king' or 'lord' in Welsh, though its exact etymology is not definitively settled.
How popular is the name Emyr currently?
In 2018, Emyr ranked 4,857 in the United States, with about 1 in 85,404 newborn boys given the name that year.
Is Emyr a boy or girl name?
Emyr is almost exclusively used as a masculine name.