Emer

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Fact sheet

Name
Emer
Gender
Girl name
Syllables
2

Emer is a traditional Irish first name for girls. Its meaning can be translated into German as "the swift" or "the skillful."

What does the name Emer mean?

The name Emer has its roots in Old Irish and translates to "the swift" or "the skillful." It derives from the Old Irish word eimh, which means "ready," "prompt," "quick," and "nimble." In Irish mythology, Emer is known as the wife of Cúchulainn. An alternative spelling of the name is Eimear.

Where does the name Emer come from?

The name Emer comes from Old Irish and means "the swift." It is composed of the Old Irish word eimh, which means "ready," "prompt," "quick," or "nimble." The language of the name is Irish.

How do you pronounce Emer?

The pronunciation of Emer is short and calm. In the Irish language, it is usually pronounced as "E-mer" [ˈeːmər], with the name starting with a long, open vowel that immediately conveys a sense of spaciousness. The gentle ending provides a controlled closure. Overall, Emer conveys a simple, soft, and clearly structured impression.

Popularity

In Germany, Emer is a rather rare name. It has not gained popularity in the German first name charts so far. However, in 1998, it reached its best position at 85th place in the first name charts of Northern Ireland. In the last ten years, Emer has been given about 70 times there, which earned it the 228th place in the corresponding statistics. From 1997 to 2024, it ranks 164th in Northern Ireland.

Famous people

  • Emer Kenny (actress from the UK)
  • Emer Martin (writer from Ireland)
  • Emer O'Brien (Irish artist)

Frequently asked questions about the name Emer

Where does the name Emer come from?

The name Emer has its roots in Old Irish and is part of the Irish language.

What does the name Emer mean?

Emer translates to 'the swift' or 'the skillful' and derives from the Old Irish word eimh.

How popular is the name Emer?

Emer enjoys great popularity in Ireland and is also gaining recognition in other countries, especially due to its mythological connections.

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