All about the name

Emrys

Female

« Emrys is a Welsh name derived from the word "Emris," meaning "ambitious" or "powerful." It is historically associated with Merlin, King Arthur's magician. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Emrys is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "Emris," which means "ambitious" or "powerful". The name has a long history in Wales and is often associated with the legendary figure Merlin, the magician in King Arthur's court. According to tradition, Merlin was born as Emrys ap Aneurin, where "ap" means "son of." However, there is no historical evidence to support this claim. The name Emrys has been used for centuries in Wales and has become popular beyond its borders in recent years. It is often spelled variations such as Emery or Emerys, but the original Welsh form is Emrys. The name gained popularity outside of Wales during the Arthurian revival of the 19th century when writers like Tennyson and Malory popularized the legends of King Arthur and his court. Today, Emrys is still a relatively uncommon name, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years as parents seek unique names for their children. It is often chosen for its strong and powerful meaning, as well as its Welsh heritage. Despite its rarity, Emrys is a name with a rich history and a distinct identity.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Emrys since 1880

Total births
268
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
39 births
in 2023
30
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+83%
vs previous 5 years