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Home › Baby Names Directory › Embla

Embla

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-blah /ˈɛm.blɑː/Medium

Meaning: From Norse mythology, Embla was the first woman, created with the first man Ask from two trees or logs. The name is variously read as 'elm' or 'vine.' A mythic Scandinavian name.Low

In 30 seconds: A mythic Norse name: Embla was the first woman, her name read as 'elm' or 'vine' (said 'EM-blah'). Ancient and rare.
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Origin MediumOld Norse
MeaningFrom Norse mythology, Embla was the first woman, created with the first man Ask from two trees or logs. The name is variously read as 'elm' or 'vine.' A mythic Scandinavian name.
U.S. rank (2024)#11357 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 13

History & Origin

Embla comes from Norse mythology, where she is the first woman, shaped with Ask from driftwood or trees by the gods. Her name is read variously as 'elm' or 'vine.' A rare, mythic Scandinavian pick, more common in Norway today (said 'EM-blah').

In the U.S. it appears very rarely, mostly in Scandinavian families. Rare, mythic, and ancient.

Did you know? In Norse myth Embla was the very first woman, created with Ask from two trees by the gods — her name possibly meaning 'elm' or 'vine' (said 'EM-blah').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Embla — Norse myth, first woman; 'elm'/'vine' (disputed)

Variations

EmblerEmblahEmbl

Nicknames

EmEmmy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Embla…

Astrid— a like Norse heritage name
Sigrid— a like Scandinavian classic
Freya— a like Norse mythology name
Solveig— a like old Nordic pick

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By thememythologynorsenature-adjacentancient

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Embla mean?

Embla is the first woman in Norse myth; her name is read variously as 'elm' or 'vine.'

How do you pronounce Embla?

It's said EM-blah /ˈɛm.blɑː/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Embla a boy or girl name?

Embla is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Embla?

Embla is rare in the U.S. and more familiar in Scandinavia.

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