Emelyn is of Latin origin, derived from the word 'aemulus', meaning 'rival' or 'emulous'. It is a feminine given name that gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe. In English-speaking countries, Emelyn is often considered a variant spelling of Emily, which itself stems from the Latin 'Aemilia', a feminine form of 'Aemilius'. The name has also been associated with the French 'Emeline' and the German 'Emilie'. Today, Emelyn remains a unique and elegant choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet historically rooted name for their daughter.
The name Emelyn experienced significant fluctuations in popularity throughout the century from its peak in 1923 with 14 births to a low point in several years with only 5 births. The number of births began to consistently increase after the year 2000, reaching over 100 births annually between 2008 and 2017, before decreasing slightly in recent years.