Emlyn

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-lin /ˈɛm.lɪn/Medium

Meaning: A Welsh name, traditionally masculine (as in the region of Emlyn), sometimes linked to the Latin Aemilius ('rival'). Now used for girls too, aided by the modern -lyn trend.Low

In 30 seconds: A Welsh name with a modern -lyn ring: Emlyn is tied to a place and to 'rival' (said 'EM-lin'). Historically unisex.

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Origin MediumWelsh

MeaningA Welsh name, traditionally masculine (as in the region of Emlyn), sometimes linked to the Latin Aemilius ('rival'). Now used for girls too, aided by the modern -lyn trend.

U.S. rank (2025)#9649 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 467

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

Emlyn is a Welsh name tied to the region of Emlyn and sometimes to the Latin Aemilius, 'rival.' Long a boys' name in Wales, it now reads as unisex, leaning gently feminine on the -lyn trend, rare in the U.S. (said 'EM-lin').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for girls. Rare, Welsh, and crisp.

Did you know? Emlyn is a Welsh name — the name of a historic region and sometimes linked to the Latin for 'rival' — traditionally for boys but now embraced for girls with the -lyn trend (said 'EM-lin').

Overall data confidence 46%

References — Emlyn — Welsh; place name / 'rival'; historically unisex

Variations

EmlinEmlynnEmblyn

Nicknames

EmLyn

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Emlyn mean?

Emlyn is a Welsh name tied to a historic region and sometimes to the Latin for 'rival.'

How do you pronounce Emlyn?

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

Is Emlyn a boy or girl name?

Emlyn is used for both; traditionally a boys' name in Wales, now used for girls too.

How popular is Emlyn?

Emlyn is a rare name in the U.S.