Emerik is a distinctive and unique male given name of Slavic origin, predominantly used in countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The name Emerik is derived from the Old German name Emma, which means "universal" or "whole." This name has been popular among various European royal families throughout history.
The name Emerik was particularly notable during the Middle Ages. Saint Emmerich (also known as Emeric), a Hungarian king who ruled in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, is remembered for his piety and kindness towards the poor. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III, adding to the name's historical significance.
In literature, Emerik appears as a character in the popular Polish novel "Pan Wołodyjowski" by Henryk Sienkiewicz, further contributing to its cultural resonance. Today, Emerik remains a lesser-used yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique and historically significant name for their son.
The name Emerik has seen a steady increase in popularity between 2013 and 2018, with a peak of 12 births each year in 2018 and 2019. However, there was a slight dip in popularity after that, with the number of births decreasing to 9 in 2020 and 8 in both 2021 and 2022. The most recent data shows a further decrease to 5 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 85 babies named Emerik born between 2013 and 2023.