Discover people named Emily Crace

The name Emily traces back to the Roman family name Aemilius. Aemilius itself likely comes from the Latin word *aemulus*, meaning "rival" or "imitating." Some scholars suggest a connection to the Latin word *aimulos*, meaning "striving" or "industrious." The name evolved into Aemilia, the feminine form, which then spread across Europe. The "ae" diphthong in Aemilia simplified to "e" in many languages, resulting in the modern form Emily. Emily first appeared in English-speaking countries after the Norman Conquest. It remained relatively uncommon until the 18th century. The rise of Romanticism and the popularity of literary works featuring characters named Emily contributed to its increased usage. The name experienced a surge in popularity during the late 20th century, becoming one of the most common girls' names in the United States and the United Kingdom. Common variations include Emilia, Emmie, and Millie.