Girl name · Latin
Emilia
“rival, eager, industrious”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Emilia.
Explore Emilia further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Emilia — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Emilia descends from the Roman gens name Aemilius, from aemulus, rival or striving — an ambitious meaning that sits oddly under a name most people hear as gentle. It is a separate line from Amelia, which is Germanic amal, work, though the two have converged in modern use.
Shakespeare gives the name to Iago's wife in Othello, who delivers the play's clearest moral speech and is killed for it. In the US it now sits at number 45, riding the same wave as Amelia and Emily.
Mia and Lia are both hiding inside it. Four syllables want one (Emilia Jane, Emilia Wren). On our vibe map it is Vintage Elegant with Soft & Dreamy movement.
More Latin names
Emilia sits in our Latin set — these share its roots.
All Latin names →Emilia — common questions
Is Emilia a boy or girl name?
Emilia is traditionally a girl name of Latin origin.
What does the name Emilia mean?
Emilia means “rival, eager, industrious” of Latin origin. Emilia descends from the Roman gens name Aemilius, from aemulus, rival or striving — an ambitious meaning that sits oddly under a name most people hear as gentle. It is a separate line from Amelia, which is Germanic amal, work, though the two have converged in modern use.
Where does the name Emilia come from?
Emilia is Latin in origin. Shakespeare gives the name to Iago's wife in Othello, who delivers the play's clearest moral speech and is killed for it. In the US it now sits at number 45, riding the same wave as Amelia and Emily.
What are common nicknames for Emilia?
Emmy, Mia, and Lia — the short-forms parents most often use for Emilia.
How popular is Emilia?
Emilia did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Emilia you might want for the nursery.