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Emory

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-oh-ree /ˈɛm.ɔː.ri/High

Meaning: Variant of Emery, from the Old German Amalric or Heimrich, composed of 'amal' (labor, vigor) and 'ric' (power, ruler) — meaning 'power and bravery' or 'industrious ruler'.High

In 30 seconds: Emory is a quietly distinguished Germanic name, the spelling used by Emory University, that has gained appeal as a girl's name in the twenty-first century — scholarly, strong, and gently sophisticated.
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Origin HighOld German
MeaningVariant of Emery, from the Old German Amalric or Heimrich, composed of 'amal' (labor, vigor) and 'ric' (power, ruler) — meaning 'power and bravery' or 'industrious ruler'.
U.S. rank (2025)#339 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births899 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,788

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419152025

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

History & Origin

Emory is a variant spelling of Emery, which traces to the Old German name Amalric or Heimric, composed of elements meaning labor or vigor and power or ruler. The name was brought to England by the Normans and became an English surname. Emory as a spelling emerged in the American South, where it was used as a given name and eventually attached to an institution of higher learning.

As a given name, Emory was historically more common for boys but has been crossing to girls in the United States since the 2000s. It shares phonetic territory with Emery and is often chosen for its association with the prestigious university. Today it appears in the US top 500 for girls and is rising, valued for its scholarly associations, strong meaning, and understated elegance.

Did you know? Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 1836 and named after Methodist bishop John Emory (1789–1835), is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States — giving this name a strong association with academic excellence.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name: Emery — Old German etymology shared by Emory and EmerySocial Security Administration Name Data — US gender crossover and popularity for Emory

Variations

EmeryEmerieEmori

Nicknames

EmEmmyRory

Famous Bearers

  • ★Bishop John Emory (1789–1835)
    American Methodist bishop after whom Emory University in Atlanta is named.

If you like Emory…

Emery— the standard spelling of the same name, sharing meaning and nearly identical sound
Avery— three-syllable Old English surname name popular for girls in the same modern era
Ellery— three-syllable surname name with a similar -ery ending and comparable literary, scholarly feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Emory mean?

Emory means 'power and bravery' or 'industrious ruler', from Old German elements amal (vigor) and ric (power).

How do you pronounce Emory?

Emory is pronounced EM-oh-ree (/ˈɛm.ɔː.ri/), three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Emory a boy or girl name?

Emory has historically been used for boys but is now predominantly chosen for girls in the United States.

How popular is Emory?

Emory has entered the US top 500 for girls and is rising, partly boosted by positive associations with Emory University.