Emer is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Irish word "émar," which means "universal" or "whole." The name Emer has a rich history and is associated with several prominent figures in Irish mythology.
One of the most notable figures connected to the name Emer is the legendary Queen Medb (also spelled Maeve), who was a powerful ruler of Connacht, one of the five provinces of ancient Ireland. According to Irish mythology, Medb's mother was Ernmas, and her father was Eochaid, the High King of Ireland. In some versions of the story, Medb is also said to have been named Emer after her mother.
Another important figure associated with the name Emer is the legendary hero Cú Chulainn's foster-mother in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. This Emer is often depicted as a wise and compassionate woman who cared for Cú Chulainn when he was an infant and nursed him until he grew strong enough to face his destiny.
Throughout history, the name Emer has been popular among the Irish people and has been passed down through generations. Today, it continues to be a beloved name choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters. In recent years, several notable individuals have borne this name, including Emer Kenny, an Irish playwright and actress, and Emer Casey, an Irish hurler who played for the Cork senior team.
In summary, Emer is a beautiful and historic female given name of Irish origin that means "universal" or "whole." It is associated with powerful figures in Irish mythology, such as Queen Medb and Cú Chulainn's foster-mother Emer. Throughout history, this name has been cherished by the Irish people and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
The name Emer has been given to a total of 25 children in the United States since its first appearance in birth records in 1907. Although it wasn't particularly popular during most of the early to mid-20th century, with only five births recorded in 1915, 1916, and 1923 respectively, Emer experienced a slight resurgence in popularity in recent years, with five babies being named Emer in 1992. Despite its relatively low overall usage, the name Emer has maintained a consistent presence in American naming trends for over nine decades.