Emrys

♂ Boy

Pronounced EM-ris /ˈɛm.rɪs/High

Meaning: Immortal; from Welsh Emrys, from Latin Ambrosius, from Greek ambrosia (immortal, divine, from a: not + brotos: mortal)High

In 30 seconds: A Welsh name meaning 'immortal,' from Latin Ambrosius and Greek ambrosia (food of the gods). Merlin's Welsh name was Myrddin Emrys (Merlin the Immortal) — making Emrys the Welsh name of King Arthur's wizard.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningImmortal; from Welsh Emrys, from Latin Ambrosius, from Greek ambrosia (immortal, divine, from a: not + brotos: mortal)

U.S. rank (2025)#1260 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births157 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,308

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

Emrys is the Welsh form of Latin Ambrosius, from Greek ambrosia (food of the gods, immortality). The great 5th-century British leader Ambrosius Aurelianus (Emrys) helped resist the Anglo-Saxon invasion and may be one source for the Merlin legend.

Emrys appeared in U.S. birth data as an Arthurian/Welsh name. It ranked #1138 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Merlin's full Welsh name is Myrddin Emrys — 'Myrddin of the Immortals.' The wizard appeared to young King Arthur's father Uther Pendragon as the prophetic Merlin Ambrosius, and it was Emrys (the immortal aspect of his nature) that made him the most powerful wizard in the Arthurian world.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Emrys — Welsh/Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmbroseAmbrosius

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Myrddin Emrys (Merlin) (mythological)
The wizard's name in Welsh Arthurian tradition. Emrys is the Welsh form of Ambrose, an aspect of Merlin's legendary identity.

If you like Emrys…

Ambrose— the English/Latin form of the same immortal name

Arthur— Arthurian king name in the same Welsh legendary tradition

Merlin— the wizard whose Welsh name incorporates Emrys

Alistair— Scottish form of Alexander with the same noble Celtic quality

Explore names like Emrys

By themelatin greek two-syllable welsh arthurian immortal

By meaningGod / Divine Eternal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Emrys mean?

Emrys means 'immortal,' from Welsh Emrys, from Latin Ambrosius and Greek ambrosia (food of the gods, immortality). It is Merlin's Welsh name.

How do you pronounce Emrys?

It's said EM-ris — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Emrys a boy or girl name?

Emrys is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Emrys?

Emrys ranked #1138 for U.S. boys in 2024.