Origin
Derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia,' rooted in the Roman family name 'Aemilius.' The name appears in Latin texts and was used throughout Roman history; it has been adopted widely in Christian tradition via Saint Emily of Holy Russians in medieval times. No specific Aboriginal or Māori origins apply.
Meaning
The name 'Emily' means 'industrious' or 'striving' in Latin. In Australian English contexts, it connotes qualities of diligence and perseverance, often associated with a gentle, caring persona.
Pronunciation
/ˈɛmɪli/ — EM-ih-lee, with emphasis on the first syllable, typical Australian pronunciation emphasizing a clear 'E' sound and a soft 'li' ending similar to the UK pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Emilie (French variant)
- Emilia (Italian, Spanish, Polish)
- Emelina (less common, diminutive form)
Nicknames
- Em
- Emmy
Name Days
- 20 July (Feast of Saint Emily)
- 12 July (Germanic Saint Emily's day observed in some regions)
- 25 September (International Day of Older Persons, highlighting historical figures like Emily May Lilith, symbolising resilience)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with emily:
- Charlotte and Emily
- Sophie and Emily
- Lucy and Emily (for sibling names)
Fun Facts
- Emily was among the top ten most popular girls' names in Australia during the early 2000s.
- The name gained popularity through Australian literary characters and famous personalities, including film and stage actresses.
- In Australia, the name is often associated with young, vibrant characters in TV shows and literature.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name emily:
- Gentle
- Persevering
- Compassionate
- Creative
- Elegant
Aesthetic Qualities
Appears soft and pleasing visually, with a balanced, traditional letter structure that lends itself well to elegant typography and nickname forms like 'Emmy' and 'Em'.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane; slightly less prevalent in rural areas but remains broadly popular across Australia.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and sociability; often linked to expressive individuals with a joyful disposition in astrological readings.
Astrological Connections
Typically connected to the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo, emphasizing communication, intellect, and caring qualities, aligning well with the traits associated with the name.
Historical Context
Famous Australians named Emily include Emily Corrie, a pioneering nurse, and contemporary stars such as actress Emily Browning. The name has been used in literature and media, symbolising elegance and resilience.
Linguistic Adaptability
Adaptable across numerous languages with variants like Emilia, Emilie, and Amélie, and easily incorporated into multicultural Australian communities while retaining its core appeal.
Famous People Named emily
- Emily Browning (Actress)
- Emily Seebohm (Olympic swimmer)
- Emily Blunt (British-Australian actress)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 220 |
2023 | 256 |
2022 | 307 |
2021 | 341 |
2020 | 388 |