Emerson

At a Glance

Meaning

Son of Emery (or, per an alternate theory, Anglo-Saxon 'Emar's son')

Origin

English (surname: 'Emery's son', possibly Anglo-Saxon 'Emar's son')

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

EM-ur-sunListen

Emerson started out as an English surname meaning "son of Emery," though some trace it instead to the Anglo-Saxon "Emar's son." Today it's used as a given name for any gender, said EM-ur-sun (/ˈɛmərsən/), and tends to get grouped with modern, minimalist names that still feel a little bold. If you're weighing it for a child, you're picking a name with roots in lineage and family naming rather than in nature, virtue, or myth.

Meaning & Origin of Emerson

Meaning: Son of Emery (or, per an alternate theory, Anglo-Saxon 'Emar's son').

Origin: English (surname: 'Emery's son', possibly Anglo-Saxon 'Emar's son').

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Emerson

Popularity of Emerson

Emerson has held steady in the U.S. for years: it peaked at #143 in 2018 with 1,948 babies given the name, and by 2024 it sat close behind at #151 with 1,965 babies — a name that's slightly more common in raw numbers now, even as its rank has dipped a touch.

Names Like Emerson

These names share Emerson’s style, era or origin.

• Payton
• Reign
• Adley
• Archer
• Axton
• Baylor

FAQ

What does the name Emerson mean?

Son of Emery (or, per an alternate theory, Anglo-Saxon ‘Emar’s son’). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Emerson?

Emerson is pronounced EM-ur-sun (IPA: /ˈɛmərsən/).

Is Emerson a popular name right now?

Emerson is near its all-time peak (#143 in 2018), ranked #151 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Emerson Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Emerson, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.