Emmelia is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the Greek word "emmeleia," which translates to "in competition." The name Emmelia is believed to have been used by early Christians in Greece, where it was associated with virtue and excellence.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Emmelia. One of the most famous is Saint Emmelia, also known as Empress Emmelia or Emmelia Eudokia. She was a Byzantine empress who lived during the 5th century AD. Emmelia was known for her piety and generosity, and she was eventually canonized as a saint by the Orthodox Church.
In literature, Emmelia has appeared as a character in various works, including the novel "Emmelia" by Bulgarian author Ivan Vazov. The name has also been used in other languages and cultures, such as in Sweden where it is spelled Emmelia.
Today, Emmelia remains a rare but striking name choice for girls. Its unique sound and powerful meaning make it an appealing option for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful.
The name Emmelia has seen varied popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1993 and 2023, there have been a total of 525 babies named Emmelia born in the US.
Interestingly, the number of births per year with this name has shown periods of fluctuation. In the late 1990s to early 2000s, the annual births ranged from 6 to 13. However, starting from 2009, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with over 20 births each year until 2016 when it peaked at 35 births.
Since then, the number of Emmelia births has maintained an average level, hovering around 30 annually, reaching up to 34 in 2019. However, there was a significant drop in 2023 with only 17 births recorded so far.
This data demonstrates that while Emmelia may not have consistently been one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence among newborns over the years.