"immortal, not mortal"
Origin: Greek via Welsh
Language: English
Emrys
Does Emrys flow with your last name?
Merlin's true name — immortal, mysterious, deeply Welsh
Welsh
Celtic
British
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Unique
Vintage
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The Story of Emrys
Emrys derives from the Welsh form of the Latin Ambrosius, which comes from the Greek ambrotos meaning immortal or not mortal — the same root as ambrosia, the food of the gods. In Arthurian legend, Merlin's full name was Myrddin Emrys meaning Merlin Ambrosius, and in earlier legend he was known simply as Ambrosius. The historical figure of Ambrosius Aurelianus was a real Romano-British leader who fought the Anglo-Saxon invasion around 490 AD.
Emrys has been quietly gaining traction as parents discover Arthurian and Welsh mythology. The name benefits from the fantasy fiction and gaming culture surge — names like Emrys feel rare and mythic while still being pronounceable. The BBC's Merlin series from 2008 to 2012 used Emrys as Merlin's prophetic name, significantly boosting awareness.
In Welsh tradition, Emrys Wledig meaning Ambrosius Aurelianus was a legendary Romano-British king who held off the Anglo-Saxon invasion. He is the basis for Merlin's lineage in Arthurian legend. In the Mabinogion and other Welsh legends, Emrys appears as a figure of wisdom, prophecy, and destiny.
Historical Record
Emrys first appeared in US Social Security records in 1997.
Over 1,151 babies have been named Emrys in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Emrys is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,144 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In the BBC series Merlin from 2008 to 2012, Emrys is the name the Druids use for Merlin, meaning he was destined from birth for greatness
- Saint Ambrose of Milan (340-397 AD), one of the four original Doctors of the Latin Church, bore the same root name
- The historical Ambrosius Aurelianus, a Romano-British warlord around 490 AD, is believed to be the historical basis for both the name Emrys and aspects of King Arthur
Emrys in Other Languages
Greek
Ambrosios
Latin
Ambrosius
Welsh
Emrys
French
Ambroise
Italian
Ambrogio
Popularity Over Time
#1,144
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Emrys
S
Saint Ambrose
Religious
340
Bishop of Milan and one of the four original Doctors of the Latin Church, theologian and hymn writer
A
Ambrosius Aurelianus
Military
Romano-British warlord around 490 AD who fought the Anglo-Saxon invasion and is believed to be a historical basis for Ar...
Romano-British warlord around 490 AD who fought the Anglo-Saxon invasion and is believed to be a historical basis for Arthurian legend
M
Myrddin Emrys (Merlin) Fictional
Other
The legendary wizard of Arthurian mythology whose birth name was Emrys in Welsh tradition — the greatest wizard in Briti...
The legendary wizard of Arthurian mythology whose birth name was Emrys in Welsh tradition — the greatest wizard in British legend
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Compare Emrys with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,144
- Total SSA Count
- 184
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Celtic British
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Em
Rys
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Emrys
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Emrys is also used as a girl name, ranked #3721.
View Emrys as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Old Norse origin
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Mongolian origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emrys
What does the name Emrys mean?
"immortal, not mortal" (from Greek via Welsh). Emrys derives from the Welsh form of the Latin Ambrosius, which comes from the Greek ambrotos meaning immortal or not mortal — the same root as ambrosia, the food of the gods. In Arthurian legend, Merlin's full name was Myrddin Emrys meaning Merlin Ambrosius, and in earlier legend he was known simply as Ambrosius. The historical figure of Ambrosius Aurelianus was a real Romano-British leader who fought the Anglo-Saxon invasion around 490 AD.
What is the origin of the name Emrys?
Emrys has Greek via Welsh, Welsh, Celtic, and British origins. In Greek via Welsh, it means "immortal, not mortal".
Is Emrys a boy or girl name?
Emrys is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1144. As a girl name, it is ranked #3721. Emrys is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Emrys?
Emrys is currently ranked #1144 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Emrys?
Common nicknames for Emrys include Rys.
What are good middle names for Emrys?
Popular middle name pairings include Emrys Rhys, Emrys Llewellyn, Emrys Arthur, Emrys Owen, Emrys Finn, Emrys Caden, and Emrys Aled.
What are good sibling names for Emrys?
Names that pair well with Emrys as siblings include Rhys, Gwyneth, Taliesin, Elspeth, Seren, Cai, and Branwen.
How many syllables does Emrys have?
Emrys has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Emrys a common or rare name?
Emrys is an uncommon name, ranked #1144 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Emrys?
Are there other spellings for Emrys?
Related spellings include Emry.
About the Name Emrys
Emrys is a boy name with Welsh, Celtic, and British origins . The name means "immortal, not mortal" in Greek via Welsh .
Is Emrys a boy or girl name? Emrys is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,144 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,721. Emrys is more commonly used as a boy name.
Emrys is currently ranked #1,144 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Emrys has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Emrys include Em and Rys. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Emrys include Emry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis