The Name Emily

SortaCrunchy · April 2012

How common is it where you are? Would you avoid using it because it's too popular?

I'm so on the fence with this! I honestly hate most of the girl names I've been seeing-- and I've looked a lot! But I do like Emily, and so does DH. Hell, even DS likes the nickname we would use (Emmi) because that's a character on a TV show he likes. But it's the 6th most popular girl's name according to the SSA and was #1 until just a few years ago. I really don't want DD to be "just another Emily." One of the teenagers at church today rolled her eyes and said that everyone she knows who is pregnant right now with a girl is calling her Emily. (Who knows how much of that is just this kid being dramatic. And really, how many people who are pregnant with girls can this 15 y.o. possibly know, anyway? But still.)

OTOH, I don't know any little girls named Emily. I know 2 people with that name, and they're both in their late 20s/early 30s. I don't even feel like I hear the name on the playground all that often, and in our playgroup (40 families, all with kids under age 4) not a single little girl has that name.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on the name? And it you think it's too popular, does it make it any better if she always goes by Emmi? TIA!

LilLee11 · April 2012

I think it's a beautiful name, but very popular. I liked Emily Ann until I realized how common it is. Don't let popularity sway you though. I have a teeny bit of regret w DDs name. I wish I had just picked the name I'd always wanted despite it being popular. I think Emmi is cute, but it doesn't change the popular factor....it's like Emma and Bella to me. Kind of all equal. Good luck! I am having a hard time w names! It's my least favorite part of being pregnant which is why DD didn't have one the day she was born haha

blindvictory · April 2012

I only know one Emily, and she's my age. Seriously, I have never met nor heard of any other Emilys. I didn't know it was a popular name. I love the name, and it's classic enough that I wouldn't let the popularity deter me.

sweetiebird726 · April 2012

In this area, there are more girls named Emma than Emily. I do really like the name, but my cousin is named Emily, so the name is out for us.

I agree with blindvictory - if I love a name enough, and it fits the style DH and I like, I'm going to use it regardless of it's popularity.

BambinoBruno · April 2012

My name is Emily, so let me just say I love your choice. (haha) It was the #1 name when I was growing up, and I did know 3-5 going through school, but it never bothered me. My DD is Isabella (which is also a super popular name) but I haven't met any her age with that name yet either. At home she will always be the only (and most special) Emily so I say if you love it then go for it.

mrsjenni · April 2012

Considering it's #6 on the SSA name list, I'd say it's pretty common.

https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/popularnames.cgi

hmp1 · April 2012

You can check the SSA list by state to get a better idea of how popular it is in your area. We have a very common last name and James is number 4 in our state. I didn't let it change my mind. James is my grandfather's name and it was going to be my first son's name no matter what. I tried to give him a bit more unique middle name since his work email address will probably end up being fn.mn.ln@company.

kjskjs · April 2012

I know a couple emilys but most of them are in their 20s, but I do know some that are younger. It is very popular but I think you should go with the name you love.

watercolor5 · April 2012

We're having the same problem with Sophia. I think we're going to end up going with it despite the spike in popularity. If the name is only extremely popular in the few years around when your baby is born, it will really only be an "issue" at school. Though when I was young I was jealous of all the Katies because they all seemed to become friends right away due to their shared name. Ideally it would be great if the names weren't SO popular, but I honestly like more of the names in the top ten list because the trend now is for classic, feminine names, and that has always been my preference. I say go for it!

SortaCrunchy · April 2012

Thanks for the input! I think I agree with most of you; I shouldn't rule out a name that I love based soley on its popularity.

I actually did check the stats for my state. The name is still very high on the list. However, records indicate that only 1500 babies were named Emily in 2010. That's really not very many given our state's huge population!

Want a personalized experience?

The Name Emily

Re: The Name Emily

Choose Another Board

Search Boards