Names That Mean Rival

Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman clan name Aemilius, which derived from the Latin aemulus, meaning "rival." In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia is the wife of Iago and confidante of Desdemona. Amelia, although homonymous, has a different root and meaning.

Emily may have dropped somewhat in the current standings, but it was the most popular girls' name for over a decade because it appeals on many levels: Emily is feminine, classic, simple, pretty, and strong. Emily is Number 1 among Gen Z names. It also has those nice literary namesakes, like Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë.

In the US, the preferred boys' spin on the mega-popular Emily and Emma is Emmett, but in much of Europe it's Emil. As Emmett gets trendier in the US, parents in search of a more unusual Em name may look to Emil.

Dashing and popular Italian and Spanish favorite, as is Emiliano. With the popularity of girl names Emily and Emilia and of Italian names for boys, this one is sure to receive more attention.

With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.

Gentle and poetic and often heard in Wales, Emlyn joins Emrys as soft, interesting alternatives to popular Em- names like Emmett and Emery.

While only 8 baby girls were named Milia in the US in 2021, its rise seems inevitable along with the rise of Emilia and Mila and other similar names. Like Livia, Milia has the advantage of being different from the rest, but the disadvantage of maybe not being different enough (and being a word for tiny, harmless white spots on skin).

The Dutch spelling of Emil, a European classic that awaits resurrection in the US. Emiel is a Top 100 name in Belgium.

Remilia was invented for the character Remilia Scarlet of the video game series The Touhou Project.

An Emily or Emma substitute that may be prettier and more classic as Emmeline or Emeline.

A Roman family name, the origin of Emil.

Aemilia is the Ancient Roman spelling of the popular Emilia and family. With Emilia and Amelia so popular, this version, while authentic and attractive, will only create confusion without adding real distinction.

Super-short names are popular with Dutch-speaking parents, and this shortened form has come a long way from the original Aemilianus. Mil is in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Short form of Emiel that stands on its own in the Dutch Top 100.

The Icelandic transcription of Emilia, pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable.

An elaboration on Emilie, using the popular -lise suffix. A pretty alternative to Emma or Elise.

Common in its native Lithuania, but likely to read feminine in Anglophone countries. Stick with Emil.

An almost forgotten, but rather dashing, medieval French member of the Emil- family of names.

A medieval French name little used today, which certainly appeals to modern tastes.