Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Emelia

Emelia is an English form of the Latinate Amalia which is derived from the Old High German element “amal” meaning “to work, industrious”. The name Amelia comes from the same place, although it’s often considered a blending of Amalia and Emilia – Emilia being a Latin name derived from an entirely different origin (from the Latin meaning “rival”). Amelia was popularized in England in the early 18th century thanks to Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II from the German House of Hanover (which replaced the Scottish House of Stuart in 1714). Princess Amelia’s brother, George, became King George III of Great Britain and also named one of his daughters Amelia. Further cementing the popularity of this name in 18th century England was a character named Amelia in Henry Fielding’s novel “Amelia” (1751). See Amelia’s name page for more detail. Emelia developed as an alternate spelling of Amelia. Most etymologists agree that Amelia and Emelia are more related to Amalia (meaning “work, industrious”) rather than Aemilia (from the Latin meaning “rival”) which gave us the names Emilia, Emilie and Emily.

All About the Baby Name – Emelia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME EMELIA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME EMELIA

Emelia was a modestly used girl’s name in 19th century America, most likely spurred on by German immigrants. The name was on the low end of the Top 1000 list at the crossroads of the 20th century but then disappeared from the charts by the 1920s. Emelia’s hiatus from usage would last over 80 years; the name only reemerged on the Top 1000 list recently in 2008. Her revival is likely due to the popularity of names like Amelia and Emily. They are all so similar with their old fashioned charm and English properness. Emelia is not super common today but it’s one other spelling option available to parents. The differences are subtle both in spelling and pronunciation – as well as in etymology. You should consider if you prefer the “industrious” meaning or the “rival” one. It’s the difference between Emelia and Emilia.

Quick Facts

ON EMELIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

646

PRONUNCIATION:

ə-MEE-lee-ə (ə-MEEL-yə)

SIMPLE MEANING:

To work; industrious

Characteristics

OF EMELIA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Emelia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME EMELIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Emelia

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME EMELIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Emelia


Popular Songs

ON EMELIA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Emelia


Famous People

NAMED EMELIA

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Emelia.

Children of Famous People

NAMED EMELIA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Emelia

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME EMELIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Emelia