Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Emile

      Origin

      French

      Meaning

      To Strive or Excel or Rival

      Variations

      Emilee, Cemile, Emele
      The name Emile, derived from French origins, holds a profound meaning associated with the concepts of striving, excelling, or rivaling. Throughout history, individuals bearing this name have personified these characteristics, leaving a lasting impact on society. One notable figure to bear the name Emile was Emile Zola. Born in 1840, Zola became one of France's most influential writers, excelling in his craft and using literature as a means to critique social injustices. His writings, such as the acclaimed novel Germinal, showcased his ability to strive for truth, as well as rival the conventional norms of his time. Emile Zola's bold stance against injustice has immortalized his name and serves as a testament to the meaning behind it.

      In modern-day usage, the name Emile remains treasured, resonating with those who aim to excel and constantly challenge themselves. It has found popularity not only within French-speaking communities but also worldwide. Emile Heskey, a renowned English footballer, represents a contemporary example of an individual who embodies the name's meaningful origin. Heskey's dedication to improving his skills and his remarkable ability to rival opposing teams on the field have made him a well-recognized figure in the world of sports. The name Emile, steeped in history and rich in significance, continues to inspire individuals to strive for greatness and excel in their endeavors in the present day. Its presence in both history and modern usage serves as a reminder of the timeless qualities associated with the name's powerful meaning.

      Based on our records...

      Martin

      Martin

      This is the most common surname associated with Emile.
      Marie

      Marie

      This is the most common name of those married to a Emile.
      Marie

      Marie

      This is the most common name for a child of a Emile.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1900 is when there were the most people born with the first name Emile.

      Explore the origins of another name.