Origin
The name Emilie originates from Latin 'Aemilia', the feminine form of 'Aemilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly derived from 'aemulus' meaning 'rival' or 'emulating'. The name has variants across European languages, including Emilie in French and German, Emilia in Italian and Spanish, and Emilia in Romanian. It has been used in Christian Europe since the Middle Ages, often associated with Saint Emilia, a 4th-century martyr. In Australia, the name gained popularity through European migration and has been embraced within multicultural communities.
Meaning
The name Emilie means 'rival' or 'to strive' in Latin, symbolising competitiveness, ambition, and perseverance. In Australian English contexts, it connotes elegance, kindness, and resilience, often associated with artistic and scholarly pursuits.
Pronunciation
/ˈɛmɪli/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable, 'EM-ili') and often spelled with an emphasis on clarity and elegance in pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Emilia (Italian/Spanish)
- Emilije (Serbian)
- Emili (Catalan)
- Emīlija (Latvian)
Nicknames
- Emi
- Millie
- Milly
Name Days
- 03 November (All Saints' Day, with historical Christian associations)
- 26 July (Feast of Saint Emilia, lesser-known European saint)
- 26 September (National Day for M01ori Language and Culture) — culturally significant for Māori communities with similar names)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with emilie:
- Charlotte and Emilie
- Sophie and Emilie
- Lily and Emilie
Fun Facts
- The name Emilie was fairly popular in Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has seen a resurgence in recent years.
- Australian singer Emilie Cyenne gained recognition in the local music scene.
- The name has literary connections through various European works, often used to portray characters of grace and strength.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name emilie:
- elegant
- artistic
- compassionate
- resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
The name Emilie has a graceful, vintage look, with soft vowels and a balanced structure, making it aesthetically pleasing in both written and spoken forms.
Geographical Distribution
More commonly found in Victoria and New South Wales, where European migration has historically been strongest, but also present in other states due to multicultural integration.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 — often associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical abilities, aligning with traits of cleverness and depth in personality.
Astrological Connections
Typically associated with the zodiac signs Virgo and Libra, emphasizing balance, harmony, and intelligence—qualities often attributed to bearers of the name.
Historical Context
The name Emilie has been borne by various European noble figures and has appeared in Australian literature and media, symbolising grace and nobility. Notable Australians include Emilie de Jong, a renowned artist from the Melbourne art scene.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name comfortably adapts to many languages with minor spelling adjustments, remaining recognisable and elegant across Italian, French, German, and English speaking contexts.
Famous People Named emilie
- Emilie de Ravin (Actress)
- Emilie Zile (Author and poet)
- Emilie-Anne Riviere (Historical figure, early settler)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 3 |
2017 | 4 |
2016 | 8 |
2015 | 2 |
2014 | 5 |