"immortal, divine"
Origin: Welsh/Latin/Greek
Language: Welsh
Emrys
Does Emrys flow with your last name?
The immortal name of Merlin, Wales's most famous wizard
Welsh
British
Arthurian tradition
Literary
Whimsical
Vintage
Sophisticated
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Emrys
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Emrys
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"heavenly one, of the gods"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Emrys
See all →What the Emrys report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Emrys the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Emrys
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Emrys head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Emrys actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Emrys
Emrys is the Welsh form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which derives from the Greek 'ambrotos' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine' — the same root as ambrosia, the food of the gods. In Welsh mythology, Myrddin Emrys was the original name of the legendary wizard Merlin. The Welsh chronicles Nennius and Geoffrey of Monmouth record that as a child, Emrys confounded the advisors of King Vortigern and revealed the meaning of two dragons fighting beneath the foundations of the king's fortress — the red dragon of Wales and the white dragon of the Saxons.
Emrys has been well-known in Wales for centuries as a name tied to Arthurian legend. Outside Wales, it has seen growing interest among English-speaking parents drawn to Celtic mythology, Arthurian names, and gender-neutral options. The BBC series Merlin (2008-2012), in which the young Merlin is known as 'Emrys,' introduced the name to a new generation of fans worldwide.
In Wales, Emrys is a name of deep national significance. The 'two dragons' prophecy associated with Merlin Emrys became a foundational myth of Welsh identity — the red dragon triumphing over the white dragon symbolized Welsh independence from the Anglo-Saxons. The red dragon remains on the Welsh flag to this day, and Emrys is woven into its origin story.
Historical Record
Emrys first appeared in US Social Security records in 2010.
Over 309 babies have been named Emrys in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Emrys is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,721 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Myrddin Emrys (Merlin) predicted the red dragon of Wales defeating the white dragon of England — the red dragon still appears on the Welsh flag today
- The BBC series Merlin (2008-2012) features Emrys as Merlin's secret Druid name, driving the show's central mystery
- Ambrosia, the food of the Greek gods, shares the same Greek root (ambrotos) as Emrys
Emrys in Other Languages
Latin
Ambrosius
Welsh
Emrys
French
Emrys
English
Ambrose
Italian
Ambrogio
Popularity Over Time
#3,721
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
4th-century Bishop of Milan and one of the four original Doctors of the Church, whose Latin name Ambrosius shares Emrys'...
4th-century Bishop of Milan and one of the four original Doctors of the Church, whose Latin name Ambrosius shares Emrys's root
M
Merlin Emrys Fictional
Other
The legendary wizard of Arthurian mythology, known in Welsh tradition as Myrddin Emrys, whose prophecies shaped the hist...
The legendary wizard of Arthurian mythology, known in Welsh tradition as Myrddin Emrys, whose prophecies shaped the history of Britain
M
Merlin (BBC) Fictional
Other
Young Merlin known as Emrys in the BBC fantasy series Merlin (2008-2012), portrayed by Colin Morgan — the name Emrys is ...
Young Merlin known as Emrys in the BBC fantasy series Merlin (2008-2012), portrayed by Colin Morgan — the name Emrys is central to the show's mythology
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,721
- Total SSA Count
- 41
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh British Arthurian tradition
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Em
Emm
Rys
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, British heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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
Premium
Check how Emrys fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Emrys is also used as a boy name, ranked #1144.
View Emrys as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Emrys →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Emrys with...
Same Origin Names (Welsh)
See all Welsh names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Emrys
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Emrys and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Emrys sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Evany
Girl
Hebrew via Welsh origin
"God is gracious"
#3,842 in US
Arwyn
Girl
Old Welsh origin
"blessed, fair one"
#3,680 in US
Devon
Girl
Old English origin
"from Devon, the deep places"
#3,700 in US
Teegan
Girl
Welsh origin
"beautiful, lovely"
#3,555 in US
Kambree
Girl
Celtic origin
"Cambria, ancient name for Wales"
#3,768 in US
Arianne
Girl
Greek origin
"very pure, very holy"
#3,646 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Emrys's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emrys
What does the name Emrys mean?
"immortal, divine" (from Welsh/Latin/Greek). "heavenly one, of the gods" (from Greek). Emrys is the Welsh form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which derives from the Greek 'ambrotos' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine' — the same root as ambrosia, the food of the gods. In Welsh mythology, Myrddin Emrys was the original name of the legendary wizard Merlin. The Welsh chronicles Nennius and Geoffrey of Monmouth record that as a child, Emrys confounded the advisors of King Vortigern and revealed the meaning of two dragons fighting beneath the foundations of the king's fortress — the red dragon of Wales and the white dragon of the Saxons.
What is the origin of the name Emrys?
Emrys has Welsh/Latin/Greek, Greek, Welsh, British, and Arthurian tradition origins. In Welsh/Latin/Greek, it means "immortal, divine". In Greek, it means "heavenly one, of the gods".
Is Emrys a boy or girl name?
Emrys is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3721. As a boy name, it is ranked #1144. Emrys is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Emrys?
Emrys is currently ranked #3721 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Emrys?
Common nicknames for Emrys include Emm and Rys.
What are good middle names for Emrys?
Popular middle name pairings include Emrys Grace, Emrys Rose, Emrys Jane, Emrys Claire, Emrys Wren, Emrys Fern, and Emrys Sage.
What are good sibling names for Emrys?
Names that pair well with Emrys as siblings include Rowan, Seren, Bryn, Idris, Morgan, Ffion, and Taliesin.
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 #3721 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Emrys?
About the Name Emrys
Emrys is a girl name with Welsh, British, and Arthurian tradition origins . The name means "immortal, divine" in Welsh/Latin/Greek .
Is Emrys a boy or girl name? Emrys is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,721 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,144. Emrys is more commonly used as a boy name.
Emrys is currently ranked #3,721 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Emrys has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Emrys include Em, Emm, and Rys. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Emrys include Emryn, Emry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Welsh/Latin/Greek Names
Browse all names with this origin
E
Names Starting with E
More girl names like Emrys
Rising Names
Names gaining popularity right now
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
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