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Home › Baby Names Directory › Emeli

Emeli

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-ə-lee /ˈɛm.ə.li/High

Meaning: Scandinavian spelling of Emily — from Latin Aemilia, 'rival, emulating, eager'Medium

In 30 seconds: Emily by way of Stockholm: Emeli is the Scandinavian styling of the great 'striving' classic — singer Emeli Sandé made it chart-famous. Sleek, warm, and continental.
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Origin MediumLatin, Scandinavian
MeaningScandinavian spelling of Emily — from Latin Aemilia, 'rival, emulating, eager'
U.S. rank (2025)#4386 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births32 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,417

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200519862025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Emeli is a Scandinavian spelling of Emily — from the Roman clan name Aemilia, 'rival, emulating, eager'. Common in Sweden, it gained global visibility through singer Emeli Sandé; the trimmed look refreshes the beloved classic.

It registers thinly beside Emily. Rare, striving at the root, and Nordic-sleek.

Did you know? Scottish soul star Emeli Sandé (born Adele!) chose Emeli — the Swedish-styled Emily — putting this minimalist spelling on award stages worldwide.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Emily — root etymology

Variations

EmilyEmelieEmilie

Nicknames

EmEmmy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Emeli Sandé (1987–present)
    Scottish singer-songwriter, multiple BRIT Award winner.

If you like Emeli…

Emily— the standard English form
Amelie— the French charmer cousin
Emilia— the flowing -ia sister form
Emilie— a fellow Latin choice
Lili— shares Emeli's Latin roots

Explore names like Emeli

By themelatinmodern-spellingscandinavian

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Emeli mean?

Emeli is a Scandinavian spelling of Emily, from Latin Aemilia, 'rival, eager'.

How do you pronounce Emeli?

It's said EM-ə-lee /ˈɛm.ə.li/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Emeli a boy or girl name?

Emeli is a girl's name.

How popular is Emeli?

Emeli is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Emily is far more common.

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