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Middles

  1. Elyssa

    • Description:

      Elyssa is a feminine name with ancient roots, representing a variation of Elissa, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage (also known as Dido in Virgil's Aeneid). The name has Phoenician origins and may be related to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, potentially sharing the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. Elyssa offers a more distinctive spelling of the classic Elissa while maintaining its mythological connections and elegant sound. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as parents sought alternatives to common names like Alyssa or Melissa. With its ancient heritage and melodic quality, Elyssa provides a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, giving it timeless appeal.
  2. Embeth

    • Origin:

      Combination of Emma and Beth

    • Description:

      South African-raised actress Embeth Davidtz added this unique smooth name to the mix. Perfect if you can't decide between Emma and Elizabeth and more unusual than Annabeth.
  3. Embry

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "flat-topped hill"

    • Description:

      Embry became viable as a first name when it was used for the (male) werewolf character Embry Call in the Twilight series. But its Em- beginning and -y ending give it a feminine sound, so we call it perfectly appropriate for a girl. Embry or Embury is an established English surname.
  4. Emerson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Emery"

    • Description:

      Emerson is a dignified, somewhat serious name associated with transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. Much more popular now for girls since Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher used it for her daughter, it is definitely still a viable boys name.
  5. Emersyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emerson,

    • Description:

      Parents of female Emersyns will say this Emerson variation's Y makes it more feminine -- and to some extent, it does. This, combined with the trendy Y, have flagged this name as on-the-rise. "Em" names have been hot for girls in recent years, from the classic Emma, Emily, and Emilia to the modern Emery and Ember — and both Emerson and Emersyn are no exception. Emersyn entered the charts in 2019 and has been rising since, all the way up to the Top 200.
  6. Emlyn

    • Origin:

      Welsh, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "around the valley; rival"

    • Description:

      Gentle and poetic and most often heard in Wales, Emlyn joins Emrys as soft, interesting alternatives to popular Em- names like Emmett and Emery. Sometimes viewed as a Welsh variation of Emiliano, it more likely comes from the Welsh em and glyn meaning "around the valley" (or possibly from llyn, giving it the meaning "around the lake").
  7. Emmalynn

    • Origin:

      Combination of Emma and Lynn

    • Meaning:

      "universal lake"

    • Description:

      An updated form of Emmeline or Emmaline or a compound name that makes your chosen pronunciation more obvious. Spelling variation Emmalyn reached the US Top 500 in2017, but has since fallen out of Top 1000. However, if you put the two spellings together, this smoosh name is given to nearly 400 girls, placing it above Emmeline or Emmaline. Influence Emmalynn Minassian and Canadian singer, Emmalyn Estrada are notable bearers.
  8. Emmeline

    • Origin:

      Old French form of archaic German Amal

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!
  9. Emmelyn

    • Description:

      Emmelyn is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Emmalyn or Emmeline. It combines the popular Germanic name element 'Emma' (meaning 'universal' or 'whole') with the suffix '-lyn,' which is often used to create a more delicate, feminine sound. This elegant name has gained modest attention in English-speaking countries as parents seek alternatives to the extremely popular Emma. Emmelyn offers a slightly more distinctive option while maintaining familiar sounds. Though not among the most common names, Emmelyn has seen increased usage in recent decades as part of the trend toward elaborate variations of classic names. Its soft sound and recognizable roots make it appealing to parents looking for something both refined and somewhat uncommon.

  10. Emry

    • Origin:

      Variation of Emery, German

    • Meaning:

      "industrious"

    • Description:

      Emry is an abbreviated form of Emery but might also be considered a relative of the Welsh Emrys. Emry was used for only 35 baby boys in the US last year and about 150 girls, placing it well below the Top 1000.
  11. Eren

    • Description:

      Eren is a feminine name with multicultural origins, though it can also be used for boys in some cultures. In Turkish, Eren means 'saint' or 'holy person,' while it may also derive from Celtic elements meaning 'peace.' The name gained international recognition through the popular manga and anime series 'Attack on Titan,' where Eren is the male protagonist. As a feminine name in Western contexts, it offers a short, contemporary sound with cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity and modern feel make it attractive to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and easy to pronounce. Despite its simplicity, Eren carries rich cultural connotations and a strong, memorable quality.

  12. Erin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the island to the west"

    • Description:

      First-wave Irish name and place name—the poetic name for Ireland—now supplanted by newer alternatives such as Maeve and Delaney.
  13. Eris

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strife, discord"

    • Description:

      Eris was the goddess of strife and discord, turned fairy tale and then popular culture figure Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty. Ironic, as her name sounds so much like that of Eros, the god of love.
  14. Eryn

    • Description:

      Eryn is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as a modern variant of Erin. While Erin derives from 'Éirinn,' the dative form of 'Éire' (the Irish Gaelic name for Ireland), Eryn represents a contemporary spelling adaptation. The name carries associations with Ireland's lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage despite its altered spelling. Eryn gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to parents seeking Celtic-inspired names with straightforward pronunciation but distinctive spelling. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and Celtic heritage while maintaining a modern feel. Though less common than its traditional counterpart Erin, Eryn continues to be chosen by parents drawn to its subtle uniqueness and pleasant sound.
  15. Eryx

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "to keep in, to curb"

    • Description:

      Eryx has a sci-fi sound and deep roots. In Greek mythology, Eryx was the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite and a king in Sicily. He was a great boxer, but was eventually beaten by Heracles. He probably got his name from Mount Eryx in Sicily, now known as Erice. Never used before 2005, this could be a mythological gem to watch - and an alternative way to honor an Eric.
  16. Esme

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".
  17. Esmond

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "graceful protection"

    • Description:

      Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.
  18. Essence

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "the most significant element of a thing or person"

    • Description:

      Heavily perfumed word name that peaked a few years ago.
  19. Esther

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra, meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to save her exiled people from annihilation. This story is celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Purim, so that it has traditionally been given to girls around that time.
  20. Etta

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish, short form of any name ending with -etta: Henrietta, Loretta etc.

    • Description:

      Thanks to the surprise hit revival of Etta James' song At Last and because of recent interest in vintage style nicknames, Etta has established herself as a possible successor to Emma and Ella. While it is currently in the latter end of the US charts, the smart, snappy name is a rising choice in the UK, where it features in the Top 150.