Emeli
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Emeli
Emeli is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a variant spelling of Emily (derived from the Latin 'Aemilia,' meaning 'rival' or 'eager'), or a Scandinavian form of Amelia. The name gained additional recognition when Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé rose to fame in the early 2010s. Emeli has a fresh, modern feel while maintaining connections to classic naming traditions. The name is relatively uncommon but immediately recognizable, giving it a distinctive quality without being difficult to pronounce or spell. It carries a gentle, melodic sound with its soft consonants and open vowel ending. Parents might choose Emeli for its sweet sound, contemporary feel, and subtle uniqueness.
Emeli for boys
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.
Pronounced EM-uh-lee.
As of October 2026, Emeli ranked #4386 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2064 in 2005.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,947 | 38 | 21.3 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | #4,590 | 30 | 17.6 |
| 2019 | #4,689 | 29 | 17.3 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | #4,652 | 29 | 17.7 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | #4,591 | 30 | 18.7 |
| 2024 | #3,831 | 39 | 24.1 |
| 2025 | #4,386 | 32 | 19.9 |
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