Emeli

Latin
"rival"

Emeli Origin and Meaning

The name Emeli is a boy's name of Finnish origin.

Emeli is a masculine name in some contexts, though it's more frequently used as a feminine name in most cultures. As a male name, it appears occasionally in Finnish and Estonian traditions, functioning as a variation of Emil, which derives from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' The Finnish usage maintains connections to traditional naming patterns while offering a softer alternative to Emil. As a masculine choice, Emeli remains quite uncommon internationally. The same spelling is more widely recognized as a feminine name in Scandinavian countries and as a variant of Emely or Emily. This gender-flexible quality gives the name a modern, boundary-crossing appeal that might appeal to parents seeking less rigidly gendered naming options.