Emilia is a beautiful and elegant given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Aemilia," which means "to rival or excel" or "rival in favor." This name was used by an ancient Roman family, the Aemilii, who claimed to be descended from the Sabine King Numitor.
The name Emilia has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous Emilias was Saint Emilie de Rodat, also known as Emily Bicet, who was a French laywoman and mystic during the 14th century. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is the patron saint of pregnant women.
The name Emilia has also been popular among royalty and nobility. Empress Maria Amalia of Austria, wife of Emperor Charles VI, was known by her Italian version of the name, Emilia. Additionally, Emilia gallorumi, or the European grey squirrel, is named after Princess Amelia of the United Kingdom.
Today, Emilia continues to be a beloved given name, particularly in countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the English-speaking world. Its popularity can be attributed to its charming sound, elegant meaning, and rich historical legacy.
The name Emilia has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its popularity since the year 2000.
From 1880 to 1933, the number of babies named Emilia ranged from a low of 9 births in 1880 to a high of 143 births in 1924. However, during this period, the name was not very common, with an average of around 67 births per year.
Starting in 1934, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Emilia, with fewer than 100 births recorded each year until 1980. The lowest point during this period occurred in 1958, with only 54 babies named Emilia born that year.
The turning point came in 1980, when 116 babies were named Emilia, marking the beginning of a steady increase in its popularity. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of births reaching triple digits by 1990.
The new millennium brought an even greater surge in the popularity of the name Emilia. From 2000 to 2023, the number of babies named Emilia increased significantly, from 402 births in 2000 to a peak of 4851 births in 2021. The most recent data available shows that there were 4681 babies named Emilia born in 2022 and 4670 in 2023.
In total, since the year 2000 alone, over 59,707 babies have been named Emilia in the United States. This demonstrates that while Emilia was once a relatively uncommon name, it has since become quite popular among American parents.