| Meaning | industrious, striving |
| Origin | English, Latin |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity | Popular |
| Length | 5 |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Syllabification | Em-i-ly |
Emily represents enduring classical beauty in baby naming, having graced countless generations without losing appeal. The name's consistent popularity speaks to its universal charm and adaptability. Emily feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary, never quite dating itself to any particular era. Its literary associations bring intellectual cachet, while its gentle sounds maintain approachability and warmth. The name's familiarity means easy spelling and pronunciation, eliminating frustrations that accompany more unusual choices. Emily pairs effortlessly with virtually any middle name or surname combination imaginable. Despite widespread use, Emily retains individual character, with each bearer making it distinctly her own. The name suits all personalities—whether artistic, athletic, academic, or adventurous—without imposing limiting expectations. Emily transitions smoothly from nursery to boardroom, maintaining professionalism and sweetness in equal measure. Parents choosing Emily often appreciate tradition and proven choices over experimental naming trends. The abundance of famous Emilys across fields provides inspiring role models spanning literature, science, arts, and leadership.
| Em |
| Emmy |
| Ems |
| Millie |
| Emme |
| Emily Dickinson | American poet |
| Emily Brontë | English novelist |
| Emily Blunt | British-American actress |
| Emily Ratajkowski | American model and actress |
| Emily Watson | English actress |
| Emily Mortimer | English-American actress |
| Emily Deschanel | American actress |
| Emily Procter | American actress |
| Emily Osment | American actress and singer |
| Emily Browning | Australian actress |
| Emily VanCamp | Canadian actress |
| Emily Bett Rickards | Canadian actress |
| Emily Hampshire | Canadian actress |
| Emily Kinney | American actress and singer |
| Emily Bergl | American actress |
| Emily Alyn Lind | American actress |
| Emily Meade | American actress |
| Emily Saliers | American musician |
| Emily Warren | American singer-songwriter |
| Emily Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Emily Prentiss | Criminal Minds |
| Emily Charlton | The Devil Wears Prada |
| Emily Elizabeth | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
| Emily Quartermaine | General Hospital |
| Emily Strange | Comic book character |
| Emily Kaldwin | Dishonored video game series |
| Emily Byrd Starr | Emily of New Moon |
| Emily Coleman | Bones |
| Emily Fields | The Lying Game |
| Emily Lightman | Lie to Me |
| Emily Thorne | Once Upon a Time |
| Emily Pollifax | The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax |
| Emily Hayes | Sky High |
| Emily Thomas | The Night Manager |
| Emily Fitch | Skins |
| Emily Locke | Powerless |