Emery

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-uh-ree /ˈɛm.ə.ri/High

Meaning: Home strength; from Old High German heim (home) + ric (power, ruler)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic name meaning 'home strength' or 'work and power,' Emery has pivoted from a traditional boys' name to a fresh, modern girls' choice in 21st-century America.

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Origin HighOld High German

MeaningHome strength; from Old High German heim (home) + ric (power, ruler)

U.S. rank (2025)#74 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births3,208 girls (0.20% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 43,817

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Emery derives from the Old High German Amalric or Heimrich, composed of elements meaning 'work/home' and 'power/rule.' The name was brought to England by the Normans after 1066.

Historically a boys' name in England, Emery has been adopted overwhelmingly as a girls' name in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s, part of the broader trend of surname-style names for girls.

Did you know? Emery is related to the names Emmerich and Amerigo — the latter the Italian name from which 'America' is ultimately derived.

Variations

EmoryEmmeryAmerigo

Nicknames

EmEmmy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Emery…

Emerson— same Germanic surname-to-first-name arc with a similar sound

Aubrey— similar surname-origin name now popular for girls

Rory— short, energetic surname name used increasingly for girls

Eloise— a fellow Old High German choice

Allison— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Emery

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Emery mean?

Emery comes from Old High German elements meaning 'home' and 'power,' giving a sense of 'home strength' or 'work and rule.'

How do you pronounce Emery?

It is said EM-uh-ree /ˈɛm.ə.ri/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Emery a boy or girl name?

Emery is historically a male name but is now used predominantly as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is Emery?

Emery has climbed into the U.S. top 100 girls' names in recent years, driven by its modern unisex appeal.