Emily
Meaning: Rival; industrious; eager
Origin: Latin Aemilia, from the Roman family name Aemilius — possibly from aemulus (rival)
Gender: Girl
Rank in Ireland: #15
Total births: 14,203
History: Emily has been one of Ireland's favourite names since the early 2000s, topping the charts in maternity wards from Holles Street to CUMH in Cork. Its elegance suits the literary tradition of a country that produced Wilde and Yeats.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #6 |
| Babies named Emily in 2025 | 246 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 14,203 |
| Peak year | 2012 (626 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 3 spots |
Frequently asked about Emily
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily means “Rival; industrious; eager” from Latin Aemilia, from the Roman family name Aemilius — possibly from aemulus (rival) roots.
What is the origin of the name Emily?
Emily has Latin Aemilia, from the Roman family name Aemilius — possibly from aemulus (rival) origin. The traditional meaning is “Rival; industrious; eager”.
How popular is Emily in Ireland?
Emily ranked #6 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 246 babies that year.
When was Emily most popular?
Emily peaked in 2012 with 626 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Emily a boy or girl name?
Emily is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Emilys in registered births are female.
How long has Emily been recorded in Ireland?
Emily appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.