Emil
Meaning: Rival, eager — a name of beauty and strength
Origin: Scandinavian/French
Gender: Boy
Rank in Sweden: #5
Total births: 16,643
History: Emil is one of Sweden's most iconic names, inseparable from Astrid Lindgren's beloved 'Emil i Lönneberga' — the mischievous boy from Småland whose adventures define Swedish childhood. Every Swedish child knows Emil's pranks, his woodshed, and his good heart beneath the chaos. The name has been in Sweden's top 10 for decades. Emil means Swedish childhood literature brought to life.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Sweden’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2022) | #55 |
| Babies named Emil in 2022 | 225 |
| Total recorded in Sweden | 16,643 |
| Peak year | 2003 (1,106 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1998–2022 (25 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 30 spots |
Frequently asked about Emil
What does the name Emil mean?
Emil means “Rival, eager — a name of beauty and strength” from Scandinavian/French roots.
What is the origin of the name Emil?
Emil has Scandinavian/French origin. The traditional meaning is “Rival, eager — a name of beauty and strength”.
How popular is Emil in Sweden?
Emil ranked #55 in Sweden in 2022 — given to 225 babies that year.
When was Emil most popular?
Emil peaked in 2003 with 1,106 babies registered that year in Sweden.
Is Emil a boy or girl name?
Emil is predominantly a boys' name in Sweden — over 90% of Emils in registered births are male.
Is the name Emil rising or falling in popularity?
Emil has fallen 30 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Sweden — from #25 in 2017 to #55 in 2022.
How long has Emil been recorded in Sweden?
Emil appears in birth records in Sweden across 25 years — from 1998 through 2022.