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Emmitt

♂ Boy

Pronounced EM-it /ˈɛm.ɪt/High

Meaning: Whole or universal; a variant spelling of Emmett, from the Old High German Emmerich or the Old English Emmet, meaning whole or entire, possibly from the Germanic element ermen meaning wholeHigh

In 30 seconds: Emmitt is a strong Germanic-rooted name meaning whole or universal, best known in the United States as the spelling used by NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, Texas's greatest all-time rusher.
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Origin HighGermanic, English
MeaningWhole or universal; a variant spelling of Emmett, from the Old High German Emmerich or the Old English Emmet, meaning whole or entire, possibly from the Germanic element ermen meaning whole
U.S. rank (2025)#770 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births333 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,234

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201918802025

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

History & Origin

Emmitt is a variant spelling of Emmett, which derives from the Old High German name Emmerich, built on the element ermen meaning whole, universal, or entire, and possibly ric meaning power or ruler. It may also trace to the Old English surname Emmet. The double-t spelling is primarily American.

Emmitt as a given name has deep roots in African-American communities, partly through the name's association with Emmitt Smith and also through the tragic figure of Emmett Till (1941-1955), whose murder helped spark the Civil Rights Movement. Both spellings carry historical weight in American cultural memory.

Did you know? Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 career rushing yards, a record he set in 2002 that has stood for over 20 years. His spelling of the name with the double-t made Emmitt immediately recognizable as an American football icon.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Emmett — Germanic etymology underlying Emmitt variantU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EmmettEmmetEmitt

Nicknames

EmEmmy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Emmitt Smith (1969–present)
    American NFL running back and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 career yards.

If you like Emmitt…

Emmett— the closest standard spelling of the same name and sound
Garrett— same two-syllable -ett ending surname feel
Everett— shares the -ett ending and classic American surname-name energy
Beckett— same literary, sturdy two-syllable -ett name with rising appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Emmitt mean?

Emmitt means whole or universal, from Old High German ermen meaning whole or entire.

How do you pronounce Emmitt?

It is said EM-it, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Emmitt different from Emmett?

Emmitt and Emmett share the same etymology; Emmitt is primarily an American spelling associated with NFL legend Emmitt Smith.

Is Emmitt a popular name?

Emmitt is moderately used in the United States, boosted by the fame of Emmitt Smith.