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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Emily - is it too popular?

47 replies

Ellynewmum · 07/10/2018 23:33

Hi Ladies,

I'm considering Emily - sweet and feminine name

It has been on top of the charts for a while now so I'm thinking is it too popular (i.e. 3 per class..!)
what do you think?

Thank you

OP posts:
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Shambu · 07/10/2018 23:37

Yes.

3 Emilys in my year and that was 30 years ago.

ducklingb · 07/10/2018 23:37

I my name is Emily and I have to say when I was in school there were a lot of Emily's, but I don't think it's used as much now, because it's a name that people think is "too common" it actually becomes uncommon... I'm 22 and don't know of anyone who has called their baby emily, also working in a nursery since 17 you tend to notice names that pop up after classes leaving to "big school" and I've only ever came across 1 Emily. It's a nice name and I don't think it's too common go for it xx

ImNotonLinkedInNo · 07/10/2018 23:38

I don't think it is any more. When my DD was born 15 years ago every second baby was a version of Emily. Amelie. Emilia. Amelia.

But I haven't heard of a baby Emily for a while.

Shambu · 07/10/2018 23:39

It's still In the top 10. (Number 5 this year actually).

RavenWings · 08/10/2018 00:20

I think it's a bit generic and unimaginative personally, but it's popular for a reason. If the popularity isnt an issue then go for it.

RavenWings · 08/10/2018 00:21

Also to add on to the popularity thing - I work in a school, I think every second class or so has an Emily. But then Genevieve is the same and that is nowhere near as high in the charts.

MrsFoxPlus4 · 08/10/2018 00:53

I think it went through a phase of being popular. I don’t know any under 5 right now.

piggie88 · 08/10/2018 07:19

I only know two, one is about 23 and the other is my 31 year old cousin, which is the only reason I haven’t used it for my daughters.
I think it’s a lovely name.

hippipotamiwantstoloseapound · 08/10/2018 07:26

I work in a primary school. Out of the 286 (I think) children there, there are only 3 Emilys.
My dd (nearly 16) is an Emily. She was the only Emily in her year all through primary school (but there were umpteen Amelias, Mias and Leahs)
Now at secondary school she is one of 2 in her 300-pupil strong yeargroup.

hippipotamiwantstoloseapound · 08/10/2018 07:28

Although I do remember walking onto the maternity ward after having had dd, and being introduced to the other mums and babies: Amelia, Mia, Emilia and Amelie....
Made me think but not enough to change her name :)

HairyToity · 08/10/2018 07:41

A lovely name. Popular for a reason. The youngest Emily I know is 6.

RedDwarves · 08/10/2018 08:58

Can't swing a cat here without hitting an Emily. They're everywhere, and they're of every age.

It's classic, but it's so overdone.

SadieAB9 · 08/10/2018 09:00

Yes, I think it's also quite dull.

Flyingpigs247 · 08/10/2018 09:18

There seem to be lots of teenage Emily's but not so many little ones.
The youngest one I know is eight.

Rebecca36 · 08/10/2018 09:36

Very good name, quite charming. Doesn't matter if it's popular, it's a classic name.

GMtoBe · 08/10/2018 09:37

I know one baby Emily and my 20 year old niece is Emily too. I love the name, I think it's completely timeless and beautiful. Go for it!

IsItCoffeeTimeYet · 08/10/2018 13:13

I was thinking of this and was surprised to find out it was no.5 in the top 10, and has been in the top 10 since the 90s!
I only know of Emilys around my age and one age 15. Where are all these young Emilys?!

Cosmoa · 08/10/2018 13:19

It's in the top ten... Of course it's popular! You shouldn't need to ask 😛

Cosmoa · 08/10/2018 13:20

And I know of quite a few baby Emily's...

17caterpillars1mouse · 08/10/2018 13:37

I know loads of 6-7 year old Emily's but not a single under 5 and I have a 2 year old so come across quite a few preschoolers

osa20 · 08/10/2018 14:08

I think it's a bit overused, sorry!!

Sunflower321 · 08/10/2018 14:27

It's very common amongst 3-15 year olds and I feel it will soon start to sound dated as it falls out of fashion

123time · 08/10/2018 14:53

It's my name and I hate it. I find it dull and over-used.

Ellynewmum · 08/10/2018 15:42

Thanks a million for all the honest comments!

For the ladies that don't like it/think it's overused:
could you help me find an alternative? what would you use?

Thanks!

OP posts:
hippipotamiwantstoloseapound · 08/10/2018 16:10

It won't date. It is a timeless classic. In that time it has waxed and waned a few times, but it will never be dated.