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Emerald Unisex

Popularity: #574 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEM-er-uhld / ˈɛm.ə.ɹəld

English; Greek

Meaning

English: gemstone; Greek: green

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Emerald derives from the Old French "esmeraude," which itself comes from the Latin "smaragdus," meaning "green gem." This Latin term is rooted in the Greek word "smaragdos," which also refers to a green stone, likely the emerald itself. The transition of the name into English occurred during the Middle Ages, as gemstones gained prominence in both commerce and symbolism, particularly in relation to wealth and status. The term has been used in various forms throughout history, reflecting the enduring allure of the emerald as a precious stone.

Historically, emeralds have been associated with various cultures and figures. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were considered sacred and were often buried with pharaohs, symbolizing fertility and rebirth. The gemstone is mentioned in biblical texts, where it is listed among the stones in the breastplate of the High Priest in the Book of Exodus, dating back to the 13th century BCE. During the Renaissance, emeralds were prized by royalty and were believed to have protective properties, further enhancing their cultural significance.

The name Emerald carries connotations of beauty, renewal, and prosperity, reflecting the qualities attributed to the gemstone itself. In literature and folklore, emeralds have often symbolized hope and growth, reinforcing their association with nature and the verdant hues of spring. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Emmy or Emmie, which have been used in different cultures, though the primary name remains significant in its own right. Overall, the name Emerald encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical importance, and cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Emerald has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Emmy
  • Emer
  • Em

International Variants

  • Esmeralda (Spanish)
  • Émeraude (French)
  • Smaragd (German)

Famous people named Emerald

Emerald Fennell is a writer, director, and actress best known for Promising Young Woman, Killing Eve, and The Danish Girl.

Emerald Robinson is a journalist best known for her work with One America News Network and Newsmax.

Fictional characters named Emerald

Emerald Sustrai is a fictional character from the animated web series RWBY. She is a skilled thief and a member of the villainous group known as the Ace Ops.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Emerald was first seen in the United States in 1904. Emerald has ranked as high as #972 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Emerald has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Emerald (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 59
17%
CA 52
15%
FL 27
8%
NY 20
6%
GA 19
5%
MO 16
5%
OH 16
5%
AZ 11
3%
PA 10
3%
WI 10
3%
NC 9
3%
IL 9
3%
VA 9
3%
IN 9
3%
WA 9
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19045
19055
19097
19116
19128
19138
191513
191613
191711
19188
191915
192012
192112
19226
192311
19246
19259
19267
19278
19287
19326
19335
19425
19446
19455
19478
19495
19518
19556
195612
19585
19615
19626
19639
19656
19687
19699
19709
19715
19726
19735
197415
197512
197610
197723
197826
197941
198039
198168
198277
198366
198486
198587
1986102
1987112
1988137
1989161
1990162
1991196
1992213
1993200
1994268
1995229
1996236
1997213
1998262
1999233
2000219
2001226
2002221
2003186
2004174
2005177
2006174
2007155
2008143
2009161
2010123
2011126
2012145
2013184
2014220
2015196
2016225
2017269
2018251
2019270
2020268
2021298
2022373
2023377
2024396