"rival, eager to excel"
Origin: Latin (Aemilius)
Language: Italian
Emilia
Pronunciation: [ uhm-EEL-ee-uh ]
Does Emilia flow with your last name?
A Roman royal name made iconic by Game of Thrones
Italian
Spanish
Polish
English
Scandinavian
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
Royal
Literary
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Nicknames
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5 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"industrious, striving"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Emilia
Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, which likely derives from the Latin aemulus meaning rival or eager to emulate. The Aemilia family was one of the most ancient and prominent patrician families in Rome. The name spread throughout the Roman Empire and has been adapted into nearly every European language.
Emilia surged in popularity in the 2010s, partly driven by Emilia Clarke, whose portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (2011-2019) brought the name to global prominence. It distinguishes itself from the more common Emily with its Italian elegance.
In Italian culture, Emilia is connected to the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, one of the country’s most prosperous areas. Shakespeare used the name in two plays: Othello (Iago’s wife Emilia) and The Winter’s Tale.
Historical Record
Emilia first appeared in US Social Security records in 2018.
Over 40 babies have been named Emilia in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Emilia is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #14,798 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Emilia Clarke received seven Emmy nominations for her role as Daenerys in Game of Thrones
- The Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is famous for Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and Ferrari’s headquarters
Emilia in Other Languages
German
Emilia
Polish
Emilia
Italian
Emilia
Russian
Эмилия
Spanish
Emilia
Swedish
Emilia
Japanese
エミリア
Popularity Over Time
#14,798
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #14,798
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Spanish Polish English Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Emmie
Em
Mia
Emi
Mili
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Emilia
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Emilia is also used as a girl name, ranked #43.
View Emilia as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hebrew yasha + Yahweh origin
"Yahweh saves"
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Latin-English origin
"one who stands forward, leader"
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Old Turkic origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emilia
What does the name Emilia mean?
"rival, eager to excel" (from Latin (Aemilius)). "industrious, striving" (from Latin). Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, which likely derives from the Latin aemulus meaning rival or eager to emulate. The Aemilia family was one of the most ancient and prominent patrician families in Rome. The name spread throughout the Roman Empire and has been adapted into nearly every European language.
What is the origin of the name Emilia?
Emilia has Latin (Aemilius), Latin, Italian, Spanish, Polish, English, and Scandinavian origins. In Latin (Aemilius), it means "rival, eager to excel". In Latin, it means "industrious, striving".
Is Emilia a boy or girl name?
Emilia is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #14798. As a girl name, it is ranked #43. Emilia is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Emilia?
Emilia is pronounced uhm-EEL-ee-uh.
How popular is the name Emilia?
Emilia is currently ranked #14798 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Emilia?
Common nicknames for Emilia include Emmie, Mia, Emi, and Mili.
What are good middle names for Emilia?
Popular middle name pairings include Emilia Rose, Emilia Grace, Emilia Jane, Emilia Marie, Emilia Sofia, Emilia Victoria, and Emilia Claire.
What are good sibling names for Emilia?
Names that pair well with Emilia as siblings include Olivia, Isabella, Valentina, Lucas, Mateo, and Leonardo.
How many syllables does Emilia have?
Emilia has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Emilia a common or rare name?
Emilia is an uncommon name, ranked #14798 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Emilia?
About the Name Emilia
Emilia is a boy name with Italian, Spanish, Polish, English, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "rival, eager to excel" in Latin (Aemilius) .
Is Emilia a boy or girl name? Emilia is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #14,798 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #43. Emilia is more commonly used as a girl name.
Emilia is currently ranked #14,798 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Emilia has 4 syllables and is pronounced uhm-EEL-ee-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Emilia include Emmie, Em, Mia, Emi, and Mili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Emilia include Emiliano, Emilio, Emil, Emile, Emilliano . 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