"rival, industrious"
Origin: Latin Aemilius/aemulus
Language: French
Emilie
Pronunciation: [ EHM-uhl-ee ]
Girl Name
#1,386 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
The French elegance of a timeless classic
French
German
Scandinavian
European
Classic
Elegant
Literary
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"striving to excel"
Origin: Latin aemulus
Language: Latin
The Story of Emilie
Emilie is the French and German/Scandinavian spelling of Emily, derived from the Latin family name Aemilius, which may come from 'aemulus' (rival, trying to equal or excel). The Roman Aemilia gens was a prominent plebeian family. The French spelling Emilie gives the name a continental elegance distinct from the English Emily.
Emilie has been consistently popular in France, Germany, and Scandinavia for centuries. In English-speaking countries, it offers a European alternative to the extremely common Emily, giving it a sense of distinction. Danish actress Emilie de Ravin and other European bearers have kept the spelling visible.
In French culture, Emilie is a classic name associated with refinement and literary tradition. The Enlightenment philosopher Émilie du Châtelet — mathematician, physicist, and companion of Voltaire — gave the name intellectual prestige. In Scandinavian countries, Emilie regularly ranks among the most popular girls' names.
Fun Facts
- Émilie du Châtelet was an 18th-century mathematician and physicist who translated Newton's Principia Mathematica
- Emilie is consistently a top-10 name in Scandinavian countries
- The French spelling with accent Émilie means the name is technically pronounced 'ay-mee-LEE' in proper French
Emilie in Other Languages
Danish
Emilie
French
Émilie
German
Emilie
Spanish
Emilia
Swedish
Emilie
Norwegian
Emilie
Famous People Named Emilie
E
Emilie de Ravin
Actor
1981
Australian actress known for 'Lost' and 'Once Upon a Time'
É
Émilie du Châtelet
Scientist
1706
French Enlightenment mathematician and physicist who translated and expanded on Newton's Principia
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,386
- Total SSA Count
- 162
- Cultural Origins
- French German Scandinavian European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Em
Emmy
Mili
Pairs Well With
Emilie Rose
Emilie Claire
Emilie Louise
Emilie Grace
Emilie Marie
Emilie Anne
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Emilie is also used as a boy name, ranked #14993.
View Emilie as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emilie
What does the name Emilie mean?
"rival, industrious" (from Latin Aemilius/aemulus). "striving to excel" (from Latin aemulus). Emilie is the French and German/Scandinavian spelling of Emily, derived from the Latin family name Aemilius, which may come from 'aemulus' (rival, trying to equal or excel). The Roman Aemilia gens was a prominent plebeian family. The French spelling Emilie gives the name a continental elegance distinct from the English Emily.
What is the origin of the name Emilie?
Emilie has Latin Aemilius/aemulus, Latin aemulus, French, German, Scandinavian, and European origins. In Latin Aemilius/aemulus, it means "rival, industrious". In Latin aemulus, it means "striving to excel".
Is Emilie a boy or girl name?
Emilie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1386. As a boy name, it is ranked #14993. Emilie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Emilie?
Emilie is pronounced EHM-uhl-ee.
How popular is the name Emilie?
Emilie is currently ranked #1386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Emilie?
Common nicknames for Emilie include Em, Emmy, and Mili.
What are good middle names for Emilie?
Popular middle name pairings include Emilie Rose, Emilie Claire, Emilie Louise, Emilie Grace, Emilie Marie, and Emilie Anne.
What are good sibling names for Emilie?
Names that pair well with Emilie as siblings include Charlotte, Sophie, Elise, Hugo, Louis, and Julien.
How many syllables does Emilie have?
Emilie has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Emilie a common or rare name?
Emilie is an uncommon name, ranked #1386 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Emilie
Emilie is a girl name with French, German, Scandinavian, and European origins . The name means "rival, industrious" in Latin Aemilius/aemulus .
Is Emilie a boy or girl name? Emilie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,386 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,993. Emilie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Emilie is currently ranked #1,386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Emilie has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHM-uhl-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Emilie include Em, Emmy, and Mili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Emilie include Emily, Emilia, Emiliana, Emilee, Emilly . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.