Emile is a French name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "Aemilius," which means "rival" or "to excel." The name was popular among the ancient Romans and was often given to their children in hopes that they would grow up to be successful rivals.
In France, Emile became a popular given name during the 19th century thanks to the novel "Émile ou De l'éducation" written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In this book, Rousseau discusses his educational theories through the story of Émile, a young boy whom he guides through life and education.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Emile. One of the most famous was Émile Zola, a French novelist who is considered one of the founders of the Naturalist movement in literature. Other notable Emilies include Émile Durkheim, a pioneering sociologist; Émile Bernard, an Impressionist painter; and Émile Hirsch, an American actor born to French parents.
Today, Emile remains a popular name in France and other French-speaking countries, as well as among those who appreciate its historical significance and meaning. It is often spelled with either one "l" or two, but both versions are pronounced the same way: /emil/.
The name Emile has been consistently used for newborns in the United States over the past century, with a total of 648 births recorded between 1891 and 2018.
While there were fluctuations in its popularity throughout this period, it is clear that Emile remained a steady choice for parents during these years. The highest number of Emiles born in a single year was 17, which occurred twice: first in 1993 and again in 1994. This peak in popularity may reflect the influence of trends or cultural references during those years.
On average, around nine Emiles were born each year between 1891 and 2018. However, there have been some notable exceptions: in certain years such as 1978 and 1984, more than twice that number (16 births) was recorded.
Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name Emile has remained a recurrent choice among American parents for over a century. Its enduring appeal suggests that it may hold significant personal meaning or carry positive associations for many families who have chosen this name for their children during this period.