Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Emily.
National Rank (2025)
#34
All-Time Peak Rank
#1 (1996)
Total U.S. Births
896,487
Unisex Distribution0.2% Boy / 99.8% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Emily Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Emily
According to SSA data, Emily achieved its highest historical rank of #1 in 1996. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1999 with 26,542 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 53.8%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Emily scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-53.8% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record26,542Births in 1999
Years in Top 100
81yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:3,368
1890s:5,476
1900s:6,423
1910s:17,069
1920s:18,754
1930s:11,916
1940s:13,409
1950s:12,839
1960s:12,332
1970s:46,839
1980s:131,764
1990s:237,262
2000s:223,768
2010s:117,646
2020s:37,622
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesEm-i-ly
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with E, a letter used by only 3.9% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Emily? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics