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Emir

♂ Boy

Pronounced eh-MEER /ɛˈmɪər/High

Meaning: From Arabic amir meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'one who gives orders,' from the root a-m-r ('to command, to order'); a title used for princes and rulers across the Arab and Islamic worldHigh

In 30 seconds: Emir is a dignified Arabic title-name meaning 'prince and commander,' widely used across the Islamic world and Turkey. Two syllables of quiet authority and regal bearing.
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Origin HighArabic
MeaningFrom Arabic amir meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'one who gives orders,' from the root a-m-r ('to command, to order'); a title used for princes and rulers across the Arab and Islamic world
U.S. rank (2025)#551 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births546 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,612

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519702025

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

History & Origin

Emir derives from Arabic amīr, from the root a-m-r (to command), meaning 'prince' or 'commander.' It was a title of rulership across the Arab and Islamic world — emirs governed provinces and led armies. The title spread through Islamic culture from the Middle East to Central Asia, Turkey, and West Africa. In Turkey the name is also spelled Emre, though Emir is distinct.

Emir is widely used as a given name in Turkey, Bosnia, the Arab world, and Central Asia. In the United States it has been growing steadily since the early 2000s, concentrated in communities of Turkish, Bosnian, and Arab heritage. It ranks in the lower U.S. top 500 and is gaining crossover appeal among parents who appreciate its clean two-syllable sound and its meaning of nobility.

Did you know? The word admiral — the naval rank — comes from Arabic amir al-bahr (commander of the sea), the same root as Emir, meaning that every naval admiral's title carries the same royal command as this given name.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Emir — etymology and Arabic/Turkish usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmirEmre

Nicknames

Em

Famous Bearers

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If you like Emir…

Amir— the direct Arabic-origin form of the same root with identical meaning and nearly identical sound
Tamir— Arabic/Hebrew boys' name with the same two-syllable rhythm and noble heritage
Zaid— two-syllable Arabic boys' name with the same clean, dignified Islamic tradition
Omar— classic two-syllable Arabic name with the same commander-class heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Emir mean?

Emir comes from Arabic amīr meaning 'prince' or 'commander,' from the root a-m-r (to command). It was a royal title across the Islamic world.

How do you pronounce Emir?

It is said eh-MEER — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Emir a boy or girl name?

Emir is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Emir?

Emir is growing in the U.S. top 500, particularly in Turkish, Bosnian, and Arab American communities.