Emrys Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: EM-ris //ˈɛm.rɪs//
Origin: Welsh; Greek
Meaning: Welsh: immortal; Greek: divine
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Emrys has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the Old Welsh form "Emrys," which is believed to be a variant of the Latin name "Ambrosius," meaning "immortal" or "divine." The Latin name itself traces back to the Greek word "ambrosios," which is associated with the food of the gods in ancient mythology. This etymological journey illustrates a linguistic evolution from Greek to Latin and then into the Celtic languages, particularly Welsh, where it took on a distinct cultural identity.
Historically, Emrys is most famously associated with the legendary figure of Merlin, known in Welsh as "Merlin Emrys." This connection is particularly significant in the context of Arthurian legends, where Merlin serves as a prophet and advisor to King Arthur. The earliest references to Merlin can be found in the 12th century, particularly in Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae," which helped solidify the character's place in British folklore.
The name Emrys thus carries connotations of wisdom and mystical power, deeply embedded in the cultural narrative of medieval Britain. In Welsh tradition, Emrys is also linked to the concept of rebirth and renewal, further enhancing its symbolic significance.
The name has been celebrated in various literary works and folklore, contributing to its enduring legacy within Welsh culture. Additionally, the diminutive form "Em" has been used affectionately, showcasing the name's adaptability and warmth in personal contexts.
Overall, Emrys encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage, historical significance, and cultural resonance, making it a name steeped in tradition.
Famous people named Emrys
In this section, you will find notable people named Emrys. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Emrys who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Emrys who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Emrys Hughes was a writer and politician best known for his works on Welsh nationalism and his role in the Labour Party.
Emrys Jones is a mathematician best known for his contributions to algebra and topology.
Fictional characters named Emrys
The following list of fictional characters named Emrys is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Emrys is a fictional character from the TV series Merlin. He is the true identity of the wizard Merlin, who plays a crucial role in Arthurian legend.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Emrys, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Emrys was first seen in the United States in 1997.
Emrys has ranked as high as #2060 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Washington.
In the past 5 years the name Emrys has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Emrys is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Emrys was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Emrys.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 188 | 157 | 31 |
| 2024 | 226 | 185 | 41 |
| 2023 | 137 | 107 | 30 |
| 2022 | 120 | 85 | 35 |
| 2021 | 163 | 123 | 40 |
| 2020 | 110 | 84 | 26 |
| 2019 | 119 | 102 | 17 |
| 2018 | 97 | 79 | 18 |
| 2017 | 88 | 68 | 20 |
| 2016 | 87 | 67 | 20 |
| 2015 | 74 | 53 | 21 |
| 2014 | 71 | 58 | 13 |
| 2013 | 76 | 60 | 16 |
| 2012 | 45 | 39 | 6 |
| 2011 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 2009 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2005 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1997 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Emrys (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 22 | |
| FL | 12 | |
| CA | 12 | |
| NC | 11 | |
| IN | 8 | |
| CO | 8 | |
| MO | 8 | |
| GA | 7 | |
| PA | 7 | |
| ID | 6 | |
| MI | 6 | |
| NY | 5 | |
| IL | 5 | |
| UT | 5 | |
| VA | 5 | |
| AZ | 5 |