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Emery

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-uh-ree /ˈɛm.ə.ri/High

Meaning: Home strength; from Old High German heim (home) + ric (power, ruler)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic name meaning 'home strength' or 'work and power,' Emery has pivoted from a traditional boys' name to a fresh, modern girls' choice in 21st-century America.
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Origin HighOld High German
MeaningHome strength; from Old High German heim (home) + ric (power, ruler)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,367

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719062017

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

History & Origin

Emery derives from the Old High German Amalric or Heimrich, composed of elements meaning 'work/home' and 'power/rule.' The name was brought to England by the Normans after 1066.

Historically a boys' name in England, Emery has been adopted overwhelmingly as a girls' name in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s, part of the broader trend of surname-style names for girls.

Did you know? Emery is related to the names Emmerich and Amerigo — the latter the Italian name from which 'America' is ultimately derived.

Variations

EmoryEmmeryAmerigo

Nicknames

EmEmmy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Emery…

Emerson— same Germanic surname-to-first-name arc with a similar sound
Avery— popular modern unisex name with the same easy three-syllable flow
Aubrey— similar surname-origin name now popular for girls
Rory— short, energetic surname name used increasingly for girls

Frequently Asked

What does the name Emery mean?

Emery comes from Old High German elements meaning 'home' and 'power,' giving a sense of 'home strength' or 'work and rule.'

How do you pronounce Emery?

It is said EM-uh-ree /ˈɛm.ə.ri/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Emery a boy or girl name?

Emery is historically a male name but is now used predominantly as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is Emery?

Emery has climbed into the U.S. top 100 girls' names in recent years, driven by its modern unisex appeal.