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Ember

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-ber /ˈɛm.bər/High

Meaning: Smoldering remains of a fire — from Old English <em>æmerge</em> (ember, glowing coal), a word nameHigh

In 30 seconds: A glowing word-name from Old English meaning the smoldering remains of a fire, Ember is a nature-inspired choice for girls conjuring warmth, quiet power, and a hint of elemental wildness.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningSmoldering remains of a fire — from Old English <em>æmerge</em> (ember, glowing coal), a word name
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719462017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ember derives from the Old English æmerge or ymbre (ember, glowing coal), referring to the smoldering remains of a fire that still retain heat and light. The word has been in English since the Old English period. As a given name, Ember is almost entirely a modern coinage, part of the nature-names revival of the early 21st century.

Ember appeared in U.S. birth records in significant numbers in the 2010s, part of the broader fashion for nature-inspired and element-themed names for girls (Willow, Ivy, Sage, Wren, Storm). Its warmth associations and distinctive sound have propelled it into the U.S. top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? In ecclesiastical tradition, 'Ember Days' are four seasonal fasting periods in the Christian calendar — the word comes from the same Old English root as ember, relating to the turning of the seasons. The name Ember thus carries an unexpected ancient religious resonance.

Variations

EmbarAmbyr

Nicknames

Em

Famous Bearers

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If you like Ember…

Aurora— nature/sky-inspired name with the same warm, luminous imagery
Willow— tree-name with the same nature-forward poetic appeal
Ivy— plant-name sharing Ember's nature-inspired brevity and warmth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ember mean?

Ember comes from the Old English <em>æmerge</em> meaning 'ember' or 'glowing coal' — the smoldering remains of a fire.

How do you pronounce Ember?

Ember is pronounced EM-ber /ˈɛm.bər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ember a boy or girl name?

Ember is used primarily as a girls' name in the United States.

How popular is Ember?

Ember entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names in the 2010s and continues to rise as nature names grow in popularity.