Emerson was a surname in Old England, as seen in the name of the famous poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. The name transitioned to a first name throughout historical English times, becoming used for sons that were named to people called Emery. Though only on the Social Security Index since 2002, the name Emerson is one of the most popular for both boys and girls today.
Meaning of the name Emerson:
Old English: Emery's son
Origin of the name Emerson:
The baby name Emerson comes from a patriarchal history. It was made to be a name for any son that was born to a man by the name of Emery in historical English times. It was used as a surname as well in Old England, but it has since transitioned to primarily a first name.
Symbolism of the name Emerson:
The meaning of the name Emerson is Emery's son, and this meaning remains today. Your son does have to have a father named Emery now, however, to receive this cute and wholesome name. The name can even be used for girls now too, so you could even change the meaning to say Emery's daughter if you want to get creative.

Style of the name Emerson:
The style of the name Emerson is traditional, though when considering the popularity Index, it does seem more modern in its usage.
Gender of the name Emerson:
The gender of the baby name Emerson is unisex, and both boys and girls tend to use it. It actually started as primarily used for boys, but now, the name is mostly seen among girls.
Pronunciation of the name Emerson:
EH-mer-suhn
Number of syllables in the name Emerson:
There are three syllables in the baby name Emerson.
Emotion evoked from the name Emerson:
The baby name Emerson is a wholesome name, and in modern times, it has a bit of quirkiness to it. It is best reserved for those children who will have an outgoing personality and who will be fun to be around.
Alternative spellings for the name Emerson:
- Emmerson
- Emersyn
- Emmersyn
- Emmersen
- Emersen
Nicknames for the name Emerson:
Popularity of the name Emerson:
The name Emerson found its way to the Social Security Popularity Index in the year 2002, ranking at number 833. It entered the top 200 list just in 2014, at number 196. Now, the name ranks at number 155 as of the year 2020.
Related names for the name Emerson:
Great middle names for Emerson and their meanings:
- Rose (rose, a flower)
- Lilah (languishing, lovelorn, night beauty)
- Claire (clear)
- Alex (men's defender, warrior)
- Isla (island)
- Scott (person from Scotland)
- Dove (peace)
- Shaw (dweller by the wood)
Famous people with the name Emerson:
- Emerson Barrett (professional drummer, Palaye Royale)
- Emerson Fittipaldi (professional racecar driver)
- Emerson Palmieri (professional soccer player, Chelsea)
- Emerson Hart (rock singer, Tonic)
- Emerson Alexander (professional dancer)
- Emerson Boozer (professional football player, New York Jets)
- Emerson Sheik (professional soccer player, Ponte Preta)