Emerson is a unique and intriguing name of English origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Ermann", which means "universal" or "entire". The name Emerson was popularized by the famous American essayist, lecturer, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was born in the early 19th century.
The name Emerson has been used throughout history, but it gained significant popularity during the 20th century. In fact, its usage peaked in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, with over 4,000 babies given this name each year. Although its popularity has since decreased slightly, Emerson remains a beloved choice among parents today.
One of the most notable figures with the name Emerson is Ralph Waldo Emerson himself. Born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts, he became an influential figure in American literature and philosophy during the Transcendentalist movement. His works include essays like "Self-Reliance" and "Nature", as well as poetry collections such as "Leaves of Grass".
The name Emerson has also been carried by other notable figures throughout history, including musicians like Eminem (whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III) and actors like Emerson Brooks.
In terms of its meaning, the name Emerson is associated with concepts such as universality, completeness, and wholeness. It evokes images of expansiveness, depth, and richness. As a given name, it can be used for both boys and girls, although it has traditionally been more common for males.
Overall, Emerson is an elegant and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its association with prominent figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson adds to its allure and appeal as a unique choice for parents seeking a timeless and inspiring name for their child.
The name Emerson has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Emerson fluctuated between approximately 15 to 34 births per year. However, starting around 1960, there was a notable decline in the usage of this name, with fewer than 75 births per year being reported.
Despite this decrease, Emerson began to regain popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of annual births steadily increasing from around 80 to over 130 between 1984 and 2000. This trend continued into the new millennium, with a significant jump occurring in 2005 (387 births), indicating that Emerson had become more fashionable once again.
Since then, the name Emerson has maintained its popularity, with over 1,000 babies being named Emerson each year between 2014 and 2023. In fact, according to the latest data available, there were 1,258 births in 2023 alone. This consistent rise in popularity suggests that Emerson is now a well-established and widely-accepted choice for parents naming their children in the United States today.