Immanuel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the phrase "Immanuel" which appears in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The phrase itself is composed of two parts: "Imah" meaning "with us," and "El" referring to God. Thus, Immanuel translates as "God with us."
The name Immanuel holds significant religious importance, particularly within Christianity. In the New Testament, it is stated that Jesus Christ would be named Immanuel (Matthew 1:23), further emphasizing its sacred connotations.
Historically, Immanuel has been a popular name among various royal families and notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous historical figures with this name was Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (1143-1180), who ruled over the Byzantine Empire during its height of power. Despite its royal associations, however, Immanuel has also been used by people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.
Today, Immanuel continues to be a popular given name among families with religious affiliations or those simply appreciating its unique sound and meaning. It remains a timeless name that carries a profound historical and spiritual significance.
The name Immanuel has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. With only five births recorded each year between 1917 and 1967, it was relatively uncommon during this period.
However, starting from 1969, there was a notable rise in the number of babies named Immanuel. The figure jumped to 8 births that year and continued to climb steadily throughout the 1970s, reaching a peak of 31 births in 1979.
The trend persisted into the 1980s, with a sharp increase from 25 births in 1983 to 49 births in 1985. This period marked a significant turning point for the name Immanuel's popularity.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the number of babies named Immanuel remained consistently high, with more than 100 births each year between 1996 and 2007. The highest recorded figure during this time was in 2008, with 228 births.
Despite a slight dip in popularity over the past few years, with 173 births in 2020 and 160 births in both 2021 and 2022, Immanuel continues to be a popular choice among parents in the United States. According to the latest data available, there were 177 births in 2023.
In total, over the past century, from 1917 to 2023, there have been 5803 babies named Immanuel born in the United States. This demonstrates a clear and consistent growth in popularity for this name over time.