Emory

♂ Boy

Pronounced EM-er-ee /ˈɛm.ər.i/High

Meaning: Work power; brave power; spelling variant of Emery, from Germanic Amalric (amal: work + ric: ruler, power)High

In 30 seconds: A spelling variant of Emery meaning 'work power,' from Germanic Amalric. The -ory ending gives it a slightly different visual feel from Emery while keeping the same sound — both appear simultaneously in U.S. boys' data.

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Origin HighGermanic

MeaningWork power; brave power; spelling variant of Emery, from Germanic Amalric (amal: work + ric: ruler, power)

U.S. rank (2025)#883 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births269 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,969

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

Emory is a spelling variant of Emery, from Old French Amaury/Emery, from Germanic Amalric (work + power/ruler). The same root gives Emerson. Both Emery and Emory are used as given names.

Emory appeared in U.S. boys' birth data as a variant of Emery. It ranked #884 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (founded 1836), was named for John Emory (1789–1835), a Methodist bishop — making Emory one of several university names that have filtered back into given-name use.

Overall data confidence 84%

Behind the Name — Emery — Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EmeryEmorie

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Emory S. Land (1879-1971)
American admiral and naval engineer who headed the U.S. Maritime Commission
★Emory Bellard (1927-2011)
American college football coach who developed the wishbone offense
★Emory Bogardus (1882-1973)
American sociologist who founded the sociology department at USC

If you like Emory…

Emery— the standard spelling of the same name

Emerson— three-syllable Em- name from the same Germanic root

Ivory— -ory ending name with the same three-syllable flow

Aubrey— -ory/-ery ending Germanic name from the same tradition

Explore names like Emory

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Emory mean?

Emory means 'work power' or 'brave power,' a spelling variant of Emery, from Germanic Amalric (amal: work + ric: power).

How do you pronounce Emory?

It's said EM-er-ee — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Emory a boy or girl name?

Emory is used for both sexes.

How popular is Emory?

Emory ranked #884 for U.S. boys in 2024.