"immortal, not mortal"
Origin: Greek via Welsh
Language: English
Emrys
Boy Name
#1,144 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Merlin's true name — immortal, mysterious, deeply Welsh
Welsh
Celtic
British
Literary
Whimsical
Unique
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Emrys Rhys
Emrys Llewellyn
Emrys Arthur
Emrys Owen
Emrys Finn
Emrys Caden
Emrys Aled
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Emrys is also used as a girl name, ranked #3721.
View Emrys as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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 Em and 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.
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.