Emerald
Emerald: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Emerald
- A female given name from English.
Etymology
From emerald. The Queensland town takes its name from the emerald and other precious stone deposits in the area and from the pastoral run Emerald Downs, a name chosen circa 1860 by pastoralist Peter Fitzallan MacDonald. It is unclear if emeralds were found in or around Emerald. The given name is a modern coinage from the name of the gemstone, representing a vernacular form of Esmeralda.
How popular is Emerald?
Since 1880, 9,518 girls and 538 boys in the U.S. have been named Emerald (95% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #708 in 2024. Its highest rank for boys was #1265 in 1908. In 2025 it ranked #741 for girls, with 399 babies given the name.
Names similar to Emerald
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English girl names
Sibling name ideas for Emerald
Sister and brother names that share Emerald's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Emerald FAQ
What does the name Emerald mean?
A female given name from English. From emerald. The Queensland town takes its name from the emerald and other precious stone deposits in the area and from the pastoral run Emerald Downs, a name chosen circa 1860 by pastoralist Peter Fitzallan MacDonald. It is unclear if emeralds were found in or around Emerald. The given name is a modern coinage from the name of the gemstone, representing a vernacular form of Esmeralda.
What is the origin of the name Emerald?
Emerald is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Emerald?
Since 1880, 9,518 girls and 538 boys in the U.S. have been named Emerald (95% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #708 in 2024. Its highest rank for boys was #1265 in 1908. In 2025 it ranked #741 for girls, with 399 babies given the name.
Is Emerald a boy or girl name?
Emerald is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 9,518 girls and 538 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.