Meaning, origin, history
Emilie is a female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Aemilius," which was a Roman family name believed to mean "rival" or "to excel." The name Emilie became popular in France during the Middle Ages and eventually spread throughout Europe.
One of the most famous historical figures with the name Emilie was Emilie du Châtelet, an 18th-century French mathematician, physicist, and writer. She was known for her translations of Isaac Newton's works into French and her own scientific contributions, including a work on the laws of motion and gravity.
In literature, the name Emilie appears in several notable works. In Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the character John Reed calls Jane "an ugly little monkey" when she uses the name Emilie instead of Emily. Additionally, the French poet Théophile Gautier wrote a poem titled "Émilia" as part of his collection "Émaux et Camées."
The name Emilie has also been used by several royalty throughout history. For instance, Princess Marie Amélie of Bourbon-Two Sicilies was the wife of King Charles II of Spain and bore the name Emilie.
Today, Emilie remains a popular female given name in many countries around the world. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and strength due to historical figures like Emilie du Châtelet, as well as its Latin roots meaning "to excel.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Emilie since 1880
Total births
26,318
Total since 1880
Peak year
2003
660 births
in 2023
183
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-30%
↘
vs previous 5 years