All about the name

Emil

Female

« Emil is a German name derived from Latin "Aemilius," possibly meaning "to excel" or "rival." It's been a popular choice in Europe since Roman times and has been borne by notable figures like Emil Zatopek and Emil Jannings. »

#23419 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Emil is a name of German origin, derived from the Latin word "Aemilius". The name Aemilius was originally a family name that was believed to mean "rival" or "to excel", although its exact meaning is uncertain. It is thought to have been brought to Germany by Roman settlers and eventually evolved into the form Emil. Emil has been a popular name in various European countries for centuries, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia. It was also used in other parts of Europe, such as France and England, although it was less common in these regions. Some famous people named Emil include: * Emil Zatopek, a Czech long-distance runner who won four Olympic gold medals. * Emil Jannings, a German actor who won the first Academy Award for Best Actor. * Emil Gustav Lanny, an American pianist and composer known for his jazz compositions. * Emil Aarestrup, a Danish poet whose work was heavily influenced by Romanticism. In literature, Emil appears as a character in several works, such as "Emil and the Detectives" by German author Erich Kästner. The name has also been used in various other forms of media, including film and television. Overall, Emil is a classic European name with a long history and many notable bearers throughout the centuries. Its meaning may not be definitively known, but it has still managed to capture the imagination of parents and become a popular choice for boys' names across different cultures.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Emil since 1880

Total births
134
Total since 1880
Peak year
1915
8 births
in 1960
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years