Ember

♂ Boy

Pronounced EM-ber /ˈɛm.bər/High

Meaning: From Old English aemyrge or Old Norse eimyrja meaning 'embers' — the glowing, smoldering pieces of coal or wood remaining after a fire; used as a name for its evocative warmth and elemental imageryHigh

In 30 seconds: Ember is an evocative nature name meaning the glowing remnants of a fire, from Old English and Old Norse roots. Primarily used for girls in recent years, it is occasionally chosen for boys by parents drawn to its warm, elemental imagery.

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Origin HighOld English, Old Norse

MeaningFrom Old English aemyrge or Old Norse eimyrja meaning 'embers' — the glowing, smoldering pieces of coal or wood remaining after a fire; used as a name for its evocative warmth and elemental imagery

U.S. rank (2024)#3168 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 389

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ember comes from Old English aemyrge (pl. aemyrian) and is related to Old Norse eimyrja, both meaning glowing coal or hot ash remaining after fire. It was an evocative word in Middle English poetry and literature. As a given name it is a modern American coinage, part of the broader nature-name and fire-name trend of the late 20th century.

In the United States, Ember began appearing as a girls name in the early 2000s and has grown steadily, peaking in the top 200 girls names by the mid-2010s. Its use for boys remains far rarer but reflects the broader trend of nature and elemental names crossing gender lines. It suits parents who want warmth and imagery in a name.

Did you know? The phrase ember days in the Christian calendar — quarterly days of fasting and prayer — also comes from the Old English ymbryne, meaning 'recurring course', and is unrelated to the fire sense of ember. The two words happen to be spelled and pronounced identically in modern English.

Overall data confidence 88%

Oxford English Dictionary — Ember — Old English aemyrge etymologyU.S. SSA Baby Names Database — Usage primarily as feminine name from 2000s

Variations

EmberEmberlyEmbertAmbre

Nicknames

EmEmb

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ember…

Ash— fellow one-two syllable fire/element name used for both boys and girls

Blaze— shares the fire theme and bold elemental imagery

Flint— fire-starting element name with the same outdoorsy, elemental character

Cinder— shares the fire remnant meaning and similar modern nature-name appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ember mean?

Ember means glowing coal or the smoldering remnants of a fire, from Old English aemyrge. It evokes warmth, endurance, and elemental energy.

How do you pronounce Ember?

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

Is Ember a boy or girl name?

Ember is primarily used as a girl's name today but is occasionally chosen for boys; it is listed here as a masculine name per the sex designation.

How popular is Ember?

Ember is popular as a girls name in the U.S. (top 200), but rare for boys.