We have been calling our daughter [name_f]Emme[/name_f]/[name_f]Emmy[/name_f] (haven’t decided on spelling!!!) since we’ve found out she’s a girl. We have been stuck on [name_f]Emelia[/name_f] as a long version of the name but dislike the meaning (it means rival or work).
We’ve also been considering opting out of a long version and just going with [name_f]Emmy[/name_f] or [name_f]Emme[/name_f], but the meaning for that name isn’t great either. It means “universal.”
My name doesn’t bear any significant meaning and I’ve always said that I would be intentional about the meaning behind my children’s names but I am completely stuck on this name that doesn’t have a significant meaning!!!
Does anyone have an interpretation of either of these options that extends farther than their given meaning?
Does meaning really matter or does the child give the name meaning!?
I am open to other suggestions but I’ve read a few other forums and haven’t liked any other long versions of the name.
And her middle name will likely be [name_f]Greer[/name_f]. It’s a name we chose for a boy and my husband doesn’t want to go give it up. In a roundabout way, it means guardian which I find appropriate for a firstborn being as I was one myself! I’ve asked him to also consider [name_f]Grace[/name_f].
[name_f]Emilia[/name_f] if it comes from the male [name_m]Emil[/name_m] means ‘rival’ and if from the [name_f]Emily[/name_f]/[name_f]Amelia[/name_f]/[name_u]Emery[/name_u] group of names means industrious from the Latin or ‘energetic’ from the Teutonic. I really like the ‘industrious’ rather than ‘work’ interpretation myself and don’t find that meaning a negative!
Other options include [name_f]Emmanuelle[/name_f] (‘God is with us’), [name_u]Emmet[/name_u] (usually a boy name but I do like this for a girl too, meaning ‘truth’ or ‘industrious’), [name_f]Emma[/name_f] (‘healer of the universe’) or [name_f]Emerald[/name_f].
If it’s [name_f]Emme[/name_f] on its own I like this spelling best. [name_f]Emme[/name_f] is fine, though I personally do prefer a longer version.
Universal is an awesome meaning! In my opinion, anyway. I love [name_f]Emmy[/name_f]/[name_f]Emma[/name_f]. [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Emmanuelle[/name_f]/[name_f]Emmeline[/name_f]/[name_f]Emiliana[/name_f]
I don’t think you should name her [name_f]Emme[/name_f] by itself because people will probably say "what? like the letter “M”? I think people have similar issues with the name [name_f]Elle[/name_f], but since it’s more well known it’s easier to wear. [name_f]Emme[/name_f] might present a challenge and it sounds like a nickname by itself.
I think [name_f]Emelia[/name_f] is lovely (though I would prefer [name_f]Emilia[/name_f]). I think names can mean many things regardless of what a website etymology tells you. As @araminty says, it can also mean “industrious.” At the end of the day the meaning the name holds for you is more important than what a website says it means. (Especially considering that you don’t speak Latin, I assume, and thus its Latin meaning isn’t something particularly relevant to you or known by anyone who encounters your child).
I love the previous suggestions of [name_f]Emma[/name_f], [name_f]Emily[/name_f], [name_f]Emerald[/name_f] and [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f]. I love names with powerful meanings too, but usually the ones that we adore don’t have the meanings we are looking for. I actually like the meanings “work” and “universal”. If you love that name, use it! Then try to find a marvelous middle name with a great meaning that brings you joy.
I also would like to suggest [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f], [name_f]Clementine[/name_f], Demetria, [name_f]Noemi[/name_f] and [name_u]Ember[/name_u].