Emyr
A boy's name of Welsh origin with 107 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
a male given name
Emyr is a boy's baby name of Welsh origin, from the Welsh word meaning 'king' or 'lord' — derived from the Latin imperator (emperor, commander) through Brythonic Celtic.
Emyr is authentically and unmistakably Welsh — its pronunciation (EH-meer) and its meaning place it firmly within the Celtic tradition of Wales. The name has been used in Wales for centuries and remains a classic choice for Welsh-speaking families. Outside Wales it's virtually unknown, which makes it one of the most genuinely rare name discoveries for parents seeking Celtic names beyond the well-trodden Connor-and-Finn territory.
EtymologyShow more
Emyr is built from 4 letters and two syllables — a compact structure that favors quick recognition and easy recall. Within the Welsh naming tradition, this brevity is common among names that have been worn down through centuries of use, shedding syllables along the way.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Emyr creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Emyr has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2007.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 79 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 17 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 11 | — |
The Story of Emyr
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Emyr is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Emyr are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Emyr?
Only about 1 in every 171,429 babies born in 2024 was named Emyr — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2007, peaked in the 2020s with 79 births that decade.
Emyr by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 2007–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 21 | #4734 |
| 2023 | 17 | #5519 |
| 2022 | 16 | #5695 |
| 2021 | 13 | #6429 |
| 2020 | 12 | #6742 |
| 2017 | 6 | #11173 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11133 |
| 2015 | 5 | #12627 |
| 2008 | 5 | #13129 |
| 2007 | 6 | #11357 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emyr a boy's or girl's name?
When was Emyr most popular?
How popular is the name Emyr?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2007–2024