Emlyn is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the elements "emla" meaning "enclosed," and "yn" which means "in." Thus, Emlyn translates to "included within." This name has a rich history in Wales, with several notable figures sharing it.
One of the most famous individuals named Emlyn was Emlyn Williams, a Welsh actor, playwright, and director. Born in 1905, he is best known for his one-man show about Dylan Thomas, "The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling," which he performed over 2,500 times around the world. His notable works also include "Night Must Fall" and "The Corn Is Green."
Emlyn Hooson was another significant figure bearing this name. He was a Welsh politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Vale of Glamorgan from 1966 to 1983. Born in Cardiff, Hooson studied at University College London before practicing law and entering politics.
The name Emlyn is also associated with historical sites in Wales. Emlyn Lascelles, an ancient fortification located near Newcastle Emlyn in Pembrokeshire, is believed to have been the site of a battle between the Welsh and the Normans in the 12th century.
In recent years, Emlyn has gained popularity as a given name for boys, appealing to parents who appreciate unique yet meaningful names with a strong historical connection. Its uniqueness makes it stand out among more common names, while its roots in Welsh culture give it a distinct and attractive character.
The name Emlyn has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1954 and 2023, there have been a total of 453 babies named Emlyn at birth.
In the early years recorded, from 1954 to 1989, the name Emlyn was given to around 5 babies each year, with a slight increase in 1983 with 8 births. The late 1990s saw a steady growth in popularity, with 6 to 7 babies named Emlyn each year from 1997 to 1999.
The early 2000s marked a significant rise in the popularity of the name Emlyn, with 10 births in 2001 and peaking at 25 births in 2010. This trend continued until 2013, with consistent numbers ranging from 18 to 22 babies named Emlyn each year.
There was a slight dip in popularity between 2014 and 2017, with around 8 to 10 births per year. However, the name Emlyn has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, with 37 births recorded in 2018, 31 in 2019, and 25 in 2020. The latest data from 2021 and 2022 shows that there were 20 babies named Emlyn each year.
While the name Emlyn may not have consistently ranked high in popularity over the years, its unique spelling and sound have contributed to its steady presence among baby names in the United States. It's fascinating to observe how trends in naming can shift over time, reflecting the cultural and societal influences that shape our choices.