Emmiline is a unique and elegant name with an intriguing history and meaning. It is of French origin, derived from the Latin word "Emmelina," which means "rival" or "to rival." This name was likely popularized by the character Emmelina in the medieval French romance "Guillaume de Dole."
The story goes that Guillaume de Dole, a knight who was betrothed to Emmelina, was captured and sent to prison. Emmelina, however, remained faithful to him and eventually rescued him with the help of her uncle. Their love story has captivated audiences for centuries, contributing to the enduring popularity of the name Emmiline.
While the meaning of Emmiline is somewhat unusual, it can also be interpreted as "to strive" or "to compete," suggesting a person named Emmiline might be ambitious and driven. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, and ultimately, the meaning of a name is largely subjective and can vary depending on cultural context and personal associations.
Despite its unusual origins, Emmiline remains a distinctive and appealing name choice for parents seeking something unique yet elegant for their child. Its French roots give it an air of sophistication, while its connection to a classic love story imbues it with romance. Whether you're drawn to Emmiline because of its history, meaning, or simply because you like how it sounds, this name is sure to make a memorable impression.
The statistics for the name Emmiline show a fluctuating trend of usage over time in the United States. Between 2002 and 2021, there were a total of 52 babies named Emmiline born in the U.S.
Interestingly, the peak years for this name's popularity were recent ones. In 2018, Emmiline was given to 10 newborns, which was the highest number recorded during the period examined. This indicates that while the name may not have been extremely popular overall, it has seen some recent interest among parents choosing names for their daughters.
However, other years showed a decline in popularity for Emmiline. For instance, between 2014 and 2015, there was a decrease of two births (from 8 to 6), suggesting that during these specific years, the name may have fallen out of favor or been replaced by other preferred choices.
Despite this variation, it's clear that Emmiline has remained somewhat consistent in its usage over nearly two decades. With an average of approximately 5 births per year, this name can be considered to have maintained a steady presence among U.S. baby names throughout the period from 2002 to 2021.