In giving the name Emily to your baby girl, realize that you're right in vogue, since this name was the number one pick of parents in the year 2004, 2005 and 2006. Yes, moms and dads are again gravitating toward monikers that have a strongly feminine look and sound. However, sight and sound can be a bit misleading when it comes to suggesting what a name will do. While .Emily. appears to be all about softness and tradition, it's influence packs an independent punch that will have your little one being anything but demure!

Origin and Meaning

The name Emily is the female form of the name Aemilius. It originates from the Latin word aemulus which means "rival." Over centuries, the name evolved from being a Roman surname, to usage in medieval times as an English first name for boys. Emily, the feminine derivative of this name, developed its own connotation of "industrious" or "eager."

Overall Impression of an Emily

In dubbing your daughter Emily, she will likely turn out to be industrious just like the baby books suggest. But one thing is certain-- she will be independent and free-spirited to the max. Yes, since the name Emily promotes a staunch, self-oriented view of the world... those sweet and compliant newborn eyes will one day take on the strong look of adolescent bravado! And once your Emily realizes she has a voice, she will let the world know she's a force to be reckoned with.

To say that your Emily is headstrong is an understatement. This name is energized to capacitate transformational change, self-sufficiency, and a desire to challenge the status quo. Though today's little Emily might be playfully kicking her chubby legs in the bassinet, tomorrow's Emily will be kicking her way past the societal limitations, pioneering her own ideas into progressive action.

By now you should be realizing that the name Emily seldom produces a dainty and complacent flower of a child. A daughter with this name may love dresses and dolls, but she will let you know that life is on her terms by way of bold deeds and brash behavior. Like both Emily Dickinson and Emily Bronte before her, a girl answering to this name will be restless and resistant to orders... preferring to chart her own course against all odds. "My way or the highway!" is the underlying message behind even the smallest Emily's every determined action.

General Summary

From the time she's a wee tot until she's a feisty old woman, an Emily is meant to transform the world and leave it a better place. So in naming your baby girl Emily you will be dealing with a new family addition who will eventually initiate radical change in her wake, shattering your preconceived notions of tradition and established order.

What's in an Emily? Bets are on you will find a tomboy in dresses or a star athlete. a champion of the underdog or a vagabond world traveler. a hands-on inventor or a rebel with a cause. and most certainly a staunch do-it-herselfer. Yes, do know as you signed that birth certificate with this name, you gave birth to an "iron-fist-in-the-velvet-glove" daughter who will never be content to take orders sitting down. In fact, she'll probably flat-out refuse to take orders at all... from you or anyone else who mistakenly believes she's a sweet little pushover!

Job and Career

In their careers, women who have this name prefer to chart their own course by working independently and learning through trial and error. Professions and job fields that get an Emily's nod include: law enforcement, the military, law, politics, corporate management, professional sports, research, sports, construction and teaching.

Positive attributes: Independence, honesty, loyalty, physical adeptness, pioneering attitude

Challenging qualities: Self-righteousness, lack of confidence, self-centeredness, bluntness, emotional turmoil, impulsiveness, loneliness, financial struggle

The Nickname Em Building on the qualities already present in the name Emily, the nickname Em will seem to suggest that your little girl be a non-stop bundle of energy. This nickname might be OK for sporadic use when life needs to speed up a bit, but should be discouraged as a regular choice.

As a Parent

• Your Emily may tolerate a tea party once in a while, but she will really get excited about physical fun, so plan trips to the playground and have lots of climbing, jumping and hands-on toys and equipment inside and outside the house.
• Don't be surprised if little Emily wants to learn by doing, even after you've issued cautions and reprimands.
• Conventional disciplining methods may run awry with Emily, since she has a stubborn streak and a desire to push the limits of everything in her life... and yours.
• Your Emily will love variety and get bored with sameness, so begin early with stimulating toddler fieldtrips... and continually rotate toys so that it always appears as though something new is in the playroom.
• Feed Emily's love for experimenting by offering her a variety of foods, clothing textures and visuals in the environment.
• This is one little gal who won't want a lot of help meandering through her day, so let her do things herself as long as she's kept safe and out of harm's way.

Famous Emilys include:
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) American poet
Emily Jane Bronte (1818-1848) British novelist and poet
Emily Browning, actress
Emily Hart, actress
Emily Post (1873-1960) Author who promoted proper etiquette
Emily Murphy, actress

Copyright 2007 Maryanna Korwitts All Rights Reserved