Emory is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years as a gender-neutral option. The name's meaning and history are not entirely clear due to its rarity throughout history.
The most common theory suggests that Emory may be a variant of the Germanic given name Amory, which is derived from the Old German name "Adalmar," composed of the elements "adal" (noble) and "mari" (famous). Therefore, Emory could potentially mean "noble and famous." However, without more historical evidence or records, this interpretation remains uncertain.
There are a few notable individuals named Emory throughout history. One of the most prominent is Emory L. Bennett, an American civil engineer who played a significant role in developing the nation's railroads during the 19th century. Additionally, Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is named after a Southern Methodist bishop, Jesse Zephaniah Carter Holley, whose middle name was Emory.
Despite its unclear origins and history, Emory has become an appealing choice for parents seeking unique, gender-neutral names for their children. Its modern sound and lack of traditional associations make it a popular option in recent years. Overall, while the exact meaning and history of Emory may remain somewhat mysterious, this charming name continues to capture the hearts of parents and babies alike.
The name Emory has had a varied history of popularity in the United States since the early 20th century. In the first few decades, it was quite uncommon, with only a handful of births each year between 1915 and 1957.
However, starting from the late 1960s, there was a notable increase in its usage. Between 1965 and 1983, the number of Emory births ranged between five to eleven per year, with a peak of eleven births in 1984.
The 1990s marked a significant turning point for the name Emory. It started to gain substantial traction, with the numbers almost tripling from fourteen births in 1990 to ninety-nine births in 2003. This trend continued into the 21st century, with the highest number of Emory births recorded in 2023, reaching 834.
In total, since 1915, there have been 8,944 babies named Emory born in the United States. This demonstrates a clear shift in popularity over time, from being quite rare to becoming one of the more common names in recent years.