Emile
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Emile
Emile is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Roman family name Aemilius, which comes from the Latin word 'aemulus' meaning 'rival' or 'emulating'. Popular throughout France and French-speaking regions, Emile has a distinguished literary connection through French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau's influential work 'Émile, or On Education'. The name has a sophisticated European flair while remaining straightforward to pronounce and spell in many languages. Though never reaching extreme popularity in English-speaking countries, Emile maintains steady usage as a classic choice with intellectual associations. Notable bearers include French author Émile Zola and French painter Émile Bernard.
Emile is also given to girls.
Pronounced ay-MEEL.
As of October 2026, Emile ranked #2098 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #283 in 1882, Nameberry popularity #919.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,438 | 52 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #2,368 | 55 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #2,241 | 60 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #2,098 | 66 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #2,273 | 60 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #2,174 | 65 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #2,007 | 71 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #1,856 | 83 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #2,086 | 72 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #2,177 | 66 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #1,918 | 82 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #2,098 | 70 | — | 0 |
World rankings
Similar names
These 20 names were selected by our users looking for other names like Emile.
Emile on lists
Famous Emiles
- Emile HirschBoy
American actor
- Emile ZolaBoy
French writer
- Emile CoueBoy
French philosopher
- Emile DurkheimBoy
French sociologist
- Emile William Ivanhoe HeskeyBoy
English footballer
Emile in pop culture
- Emile TheresiaBoy
a (female) character in the video game Theresia: Dear Emile.
- Emile DankiBoy
character from TV show "Heroes"
- Emile PicaniBoy
character created by Thomas Sanders