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Home › Baby Names Directory › Emrys

Emrys

♀ Girl

Pronounced EM-riss /ˈɛm.rɪs/High

Meaning: Welsh form of Ambrose — from Greek ambrosios, 'immortal' — traditionally male, used for girlsMedium

In 30 seconds: Immortal, and tangled up with Merlin: Emrys is the Welsh Ambrose — 'immortal' — and the legendary other name of the wizard himself. Mythic, melodic, and crossing now to girls.
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Origin MediumWelsh, Greek
MeaningWelsh form of Ambrose — from Greek ambrosios, 'immortal' — traditionally male, used for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#4483 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births31 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 340

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420102025

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

Emrys is the Welsh form of Ambrose — Greek ambrosios, 'immortal' — and the byname of the legendary Merlin (Myrddin Emrys). Traditionally a boys' name in Wales, it crosses to girls in the English-speaking world on its soft sound and mythic glow.

It registers thinly for girls in recent records. Rare for daughters, immortal at the root, and Arthurian-rich.

Did you know? In Welsh legend the wizard Merlin was called Myrddin Emrys — so Emrys carries an echo of Arthurian magic and prophecy alongside its 'immortal' meaning.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Emrys — etymology

Variations

EmrisAmbrose

Nicknames

EmRhys

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Emrys…

Bryn— a fellow Welsh unisex name
Rhys— the Welsh name within it
Wren— the companion short crossover name
Gladys— a similarly popular pick
Ellen— shares Emrys's Greek roots

Explore names like Emrys

By themegreekunisexwelshmythological
By meaningFlowerEternal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Emrys mean?

Emrys is the Welsh form of Ambrose, from Greek for 'immortal'; it's also Merlin's legendary byname.

How do you pronounce Emrys?

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

Is Emrys a boy or girl name?

Emrys is traditionally a boys' name; this page covers its use for girls.

How popular is Emrys?

Emrys is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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