Emmerson is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is derived from the given name Emerson, which is believed to have originated as an occupational surname meaning "son of Emma". The name Emma comes from the Germanic word "ermen," which means "whole" or "universal".
The name Emmerson was popularized by American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was born in 1803. Although Emerson's first name was spelled without the final 'n', it is believed that his middle name was indeed Emmerson. As a result of his fame and influence, many people began to associate the name Emmerson with him, and it became more widely used as a given name.
Over time, variations of the name Emerson have emerged, including Emmerson and Emereson. These variants are often used interchangeably and can also be spelled with or without a capital 'E'.
In recent years, Emmerson has become increasingly popular as a unisex name in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was the 745th most popular girls' name in 2019 and the 853rd most popular boys' name that same year.
Overall, Emmerson is a unique and distinctive name of English origin that has gained popularity through its association with famous figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson. Its meaning, derived from the Germanic word "ermen," adds an additional layer of significance to this attractive name choice.
The name Emmerson has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 1998 and 2023, there have been a total of 2,345 babies named Emmerson across the country.
In 1998, only 12 babies were given the name Emmerson, but by 2006, that number had grown to 110. The year 2013 marked a significant turning point with 171 births, which remains the highest number of Emmersons born in a single year to date.
Despite a slight decline in recent years, with only 74 and 73 births respectively in 2022 and 2023, Emmerson continues to be a popular choice among parents. This steady growth over time indicates that the name has gained traction and is likely to remain a favorite for many families in the United States.
It's interesting to note that while there were fluctuations in popularity year by year, the overall trend shows an upward trajectory, suggesting that Emmerson may become even more common in future years. This data provides valuable insights into naming trends and can help parents make informed decisions about what names are currently popular or up-and-coming.