All about the name

Emer

Male

« Emer is an Irish female given name derived from the Old Irish word "émar," meaning "universal" or "whole." It is associated with notable figures like Queen Medb and Cú Chulainn's foster-mother Emer in Irish mythology, and has been a beloved name among the Irish people for generations. »

#26459 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Emer is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Irish word "émar," which means "universal" or "whole." The name Emer has a rich history and is associated with several prominent figures in Irish mythology. One of the most notable figures connected to the name Emer is the legendary Queen Medb (also spelled Maeve), who was a powerful ruler of Connacht, one of the five provinces of ancient Ireland. According to Irish mythology, Medb's mother was Ernmas, and her father was Eochaid, the High King of Ireland. In some versions of the story, Medb is also said to have been named Emer after her mother. Another important figure associated with the name Emer is the legendary hero Cú Chulainn's foster-mother in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. This Emer is often depicted as a wise and compassionate woman who cared for Cú Chulainn when he was an infant and nursed him until he grew strong enough to face his destiny. Throughout history, the name Emer has been popular among the Irish people and has been passed down through generations. Today, it continues to be a beloved name choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters. In recent years, several notable individuals have borne this name, including Emer Kenny, an Irish playwright and actress, and Emer Casey, an Irish hurler who played for the Cork senior team. In summary, Emer is a beautiful and historic female given name of Irish origin that means "universal" or "whole." It is associated with powerful figures in Irish mythology, such as Queen Medb and Cú Chulainn's foster-mother Emer. Throughout history, this name has been cherished by the Irish people and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Emer since 1880

Total births
25
Total since 1880
Peak year
1907
5 births
in 1992
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years