How Would You Pronounce This Name?

Updated on April 23, 2014
K.F. asks from Hillsboro, OR
56 answers

We are expecting our 3rd daughter next month and I need name advice. If you hate the name, or think it's a boy name, please keep that to yourself!

We are considering the name Emery. My first question is do you know any girls older than 5 with this name and if so, what do they think of it? Is it hugely popular right now?

Second, would you pronounce it "Emry" or "Em-er-ry" (2 syllables or 3)?

Finally, we are thinking her full name would be either Emery Kate, Emery Grace or Emery Jane. Any thoughts on which sounds better?

Thanks for your feedback!

EDIT: I guess some people just can't help being negative! I don't need to know if you like the name or not in order for you to tell me how you would pronounce it if you saw it or whether you know someone with the name. We learned with our first baby that everyone has their own opinion and style and hearing from haters doesn't change what we do. If you love it, please share, but seriously I don't need to know if you dislike it or it's "not your style".

As for the pronunciation, we know one Emerie (spelled this way) and everyone here says it with 2 syllables (like Emry). Maybe it's a regional thing? We prefer this way since we have a hyphenated last name (2 syllables each, easy to pronounce) and a 3 syllable 1st name seems too long.

EDIT Part 2: I'm not sure why so many people think that I am being rude! So maybe the title of the post wasn't specific enough...sorry. I changed it. Just because I don't want to know if you actually LIKE the name, doesn't mean that I am being moody, rude or any of the other things listed in people's comments. I simply wanted to know how you would pronounce it (because there seems to be a split on 2 or 3 syllables in my area), opinions on middle names and if you knew anyone older with this name.

After 3 kids, I am just tired of hearing negative comments associated with the names we choose so we no longer ask opinions on the names themselves. Everyone gets to name their own kids whatever they like and I don't think so many people should be offended just because I didn't ask what they thought of the name Emery. Sorry for the confusion.

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Featured Answers

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I've never liked it. I always think of an emery board. I do know one little girl with that name but no grown ups.

13 moms found this helpful

J.A.

answers from Indianapolis on

So basically you only want feedback from people who like the name? That really narrows down the amount of info people can share with you.

13 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Mom of 4....I am just north of you in Seattle.
I do not know ANYONE named Emery.
I would say "Em-er-ee"
Out of the 3 names I would pick Emery Kate.
Not negative.....but the first thing that pops to mind is "Emery board"
L.

10 moms found this helpful

More Answers

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

ETA: Wow you have some testy hormones going crazy in your body. No one here is a hater. You asked a question, you put stipulations on those who answer. Of course it is your baby and your choice.. If you can't handle getting true honest opinions that are not all like yours then don't ask. We are not here to get smoke blown up our pants... we answer questions honestly. Gee... lighten up woman.

This is obviously wearing on you since it is your 3rd to 4th question on baby girl names since January.

Think of something your DAUGHTER cares about not what everybody else cares about.

************************************************************************************
Why did you ask the question if you don't want people to give you their opinion unless they agree with you? That is not a good way to get a balanced poll.

Yes I am familiar with the name. It is not that popular where I am located and in our elementary school. I would not pronounce it "Emry" because that sounds like you are skipping over the syllables which make it sound lazy..

EX: a poster the other day used the word "prolly" instead of probably. Even if she isn't lazy or stupid, it made her sound that way by not speaking properly. SO, "Emry" sounds like a shortcut way to pronounce the name.

When we named our daughter, we thought of her as a toddler, school ages, teen, adult and 80 yr old with that name to see if it sounded right for someone of all ages. It is hard to imagine an 80 yr old with some of the cutsey names that are out there today.

I don't think Emery is that cutsey and I sort of like it. I wouldn't pair it with Grace because Grace is so wildly popular here. I would use 3 syllables and I although I like Kate and Jane..............I'd vote for Kate.

I prefer more traditional names because it is not fun going through life pronouncing and/or spelling your name for everyone to get it right. You are also setting her up for a nickname of Emmy so make sure you like that as well.

Congratulations.

17 moms found this helpful

V.S.

answers from Reading on

Wow! The only one beig rude here is you! You ASKED what people think of the name. Chill!
I don't care for it - since you asked (but apparently don't really want to know). I would pronounce it the way I'm told to pronounce it, since either is acceptable.
If you don't want to know what people think of a name, don't ask what people think of the name.

Eta: way to change your answer but not apologize for your rudeness.

13 moms found this helpful

J.C.

answers from Columbus on

I'm confused, the title of your post "What do you think of this name for a baby girl?" indicates you are asking what WE think of this name for a baby girl, but then your first sentence asks to keep negative thoughts to ourselves, indicating you only want opinions matching yours, which isn't exactly the same thing. Your title should probably read something along the lines of "do you know anyone with this name?" or even possibly "how would you pronounce this name?"

Personally, I like the name (with Grace for a middle name) and would pronounce it with 3 syllables.

13 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

Well, this may sound racist. But we have a number of Asian people in our family. When we found out a friend was naming her baby girl Emery, we all had a really good laugh after one of those Asians said "You mean Em-a-LEE, right? With an L?"

So whenever we hear the name it sounds like someone making fun of our Asian friends/family.

But then probably we're just uncultured rouges.

:)

11 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Atlanta on

well, well, well, let's hope you are hormonal and not always like this. What a way to get people to answer your question. VERY RUDE of you, sorry. But man oh man...you need a cup of ice and chill.

I'm going to give you my opinion. I don't like the name. I know that's not what you want to hear. I hear the word "emery", I think of a nail file and sand paper.

As others have said, my pronunciation would depend upon how it is spelled. If you spell it "emerie" - I would pronounce it - Em-Merry. If it was Emry, Em-ree. Emery, Em-mer-ee.

Yes. Kate is a name. Not just a nick name as some have implied. I know people named Katie and Kate, these are their legal names.

I think Emery Jane is nice.

No. If we had ever had a girl, the name Emery would have NEVER crossed our minds. oh before I forget. No. We don't know any Emery's.

Grab that cup of ice and chill....you asked people's opinion that's what you got. You can't dictate who answers a question. You tell people here to "skip it", you are asking or begging for more than what you asked for.

I hope the rest of your pregnancy is less hormonal.

S.

10 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

boy, talk about putting strictures on the answers you want!
i don't know any girls called emery.
only boys.
so i don't know if i'm allowed to answer.
:P
it's a three syllable name unless you're an elider.
not sure if non-eliders are allowed to answer.
i think it should be 'emery paul.'
it's very *in* to give boy names to girls, so i'm sure you'll be *in* whether i like it or not.
khairete
S.

9 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I don't hate it but it's not my cup of tea.
Makes me think of an emery board.
She could go with Em or Emmy as a nickname.
Emery Kate sounds best to me.

Additional:
Name your womb fruit anything you want.
If she marries someday she can always change it in case she doesn't want to be synonymous with an abrasive nail file.
Abrasive seems to run in the family on her mother's side.

9 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Wow! No one even suggested you are illiterate or lazy. And what does it matter when someone said they don't like it. Their comment of no or I don't like it is just feedback. It is not a criticism of you. If you're this sensitive about the name I suggest you reconsider using it. There will always be people who don't like it who will say so.

8 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I suggest you change the title of your question. Your question asks..."what do you think of this name for a baby girl?" Perhaps you should have asked..."Survey-reply yes if you love the name Emery"

8 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Richland on

*walks in*

*yikes*

Seriously you just asked for people's opinion on a name but get mad because some don't like it? It doesn't wow me at all regardless of the number of syllables. Still who cares what I think.

Your reaction shows you aren't too sold on the name. I could list all my kids names and you could rip all of them apart bit by bit, wouldn't upset me in the least because I love their names and the names fit my kids. You flipped your nut on negative comments, you may want to think about why.

8 moms found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

I like it, although I'm not sure why you would ask people what they think of it if you only want to hear from those who like it.

The only Emery I know is a 45 year old man, so not hugely popular here right now.

I pronounce it Em-er-ry, three syllables.

All of the middle names sound nice with it.

6 moms found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Tampa on

I actually really like the name and would do it with 3 syllables personally. I like the fact that it is unusual enough that there won't likely be 3 others in her kindergarten class.

I do wonder why your question is asking what we think of the name, but you say to keep it to ourselves if we hate it...

This is your child and one of the perks of having a baby is getting to choose her name. If you like the name, I would go with it!

6 moms found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I know of no one with that name, and you should pronounce it how YOU want. Though if I saw the name spelled Emery I would pronounce it with three syllables because that's how it LOOKS. So if you want two syllables spell it Emry, just to make it easier on your daughter in her future.
All three middle names basically sound the same to me so again, choose the one you like.
More important than what the "haters" think, is what your daughter will think, because this will be her name for life. Just do what you can to make sure her name is easy to read, pronounce and understand.
Isn't Emory the traditional spelling of this name? Have you thought of that?

6 moms found this helpful
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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

First I want to say that I think it is fine that you asked people to not comment f they hate the name. You aren't asking about that, right? Just the middle name and its popularity. That being said I DO like the name :)

I know one that is about 16 (a girl). If you go to babycenter.com you can track the popularity of names.

I would pronounce it with 3 syllables.

I like Emery Kate.

6 moms found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I like it. But the Emery board response made me laugh.

3 syllables. 2 sounds illiterate.

6 moms found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Boston on

Sorry, I worry that it sets her up for a lifetime of correcting people's spelling and pronunciation of it. It is pronounced 3 syllables around Boston.

4 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Congratulations!!! So will you now be "Momof5"??? :)

1. No. I don't know ANYONE - boy or girl with the first name Emery or Emry.

2. Spelled - Emery - I would pronounce it "em - mer- ree" spelled Emry - I would pronounce it "em-ree"

3. Emery Grace sounds the best to me.

4 moms found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from New York on

It's not my style or something I'd choose, but if you pick it, yes, it has 3 syllables, like an emery board. Of the middle names that you're considering, I'd choose Kate, that's lovely.

I work in an elementary school and have not encountered any kids named Emery but name popularity is often regional, and I live far away from you.

Good luck in making your final choice. I always felt that a new baby's name should flow well with the names of the siblings. Not rhyme or all start with the same letter, but sound like the names were picked from the same culture, time period, etc.

4 moms found this helpful

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

I think it's adorable, even though I give my kids more standard names.

Emery (3 syllables) Kate is beautiful.

Grace is very popular right now, so I'd go with Kate or Jane.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Your question is, "What do you think of this name for a baby girl?"...and then you say, "If you hate the name, or think it's a boy name, please keep that to yourself". So you don't really want to know what we think?!?!

Choose the pronunciation you like. People will always mess it up...it's just one of those names, like:

Andrea-- An-dree-a/On-drey-a
Alana-- A-lay-na/A-law-na

4 moms found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Do YOU want it pronounced "Em-ree" or "Em-e-ree"? You don't say. If you want it pronounced Em-ree, be aware that anyone seeing Emery is going to say Em-e-ree. It simply is three syllables. You're careful not to say what it is you want here. Why? If you have your heart set on the pronunciation "Em-ree" you're going to be in for a lot of correcting for the rest of her life (and so is she).

Emory is a more standard spelling, if there is one. I would not worry about whether it's masculine or feminine as it's not used much even for boys these days. Did you feel that the "e" in the middle made it more feminine? Emery or Emory is fine.

Kate, Grace and Jane all sound OK with it and a one-syllable name is good with a three-syllable one. But all three of those names are very, very heavily used around here, with Grace and Kate especially overused. Jane is less used now, so that's an option.

I would give precedence to a meaningful name from your families rather than a "filler" name chosen solely because it sounds good with the first name -- regardless of syllables.

3 moms found this helpful
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O.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Love it!
Emery Katherine. (Kate is a nickname.)
3 syllables.

3 moms found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

I like Emery Grace. When I see the second e, I would go with the er sound, however, I usually ask how a person pronounces their name.

My daughter has a friend in 2nd grade with this name. Everyone calls her Emmie and when her mom says it, she uses 3 syllables, which leads me to do the same.

3 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from New York on

I'd go with 3 syllables because that's how everyone will say it and you don't want your daughter to spend the rest of her life correcting.

I like all 3 of your middle names. Congrats as you welcome #3.

3 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

My son (20s) went to school with a girl who's name was Emery. She was always Emmi when she was in school but when she got out of High School she changed to Emery (3 syllables). I like it.

3 moms found this helpful

Y.M.

answers from Iowa City on

There is one girl named Emery in the other first grade at my daughter's school. No idea if she likes it. I know a few boys with the name, the oldest being 17.

I pronounce it Em-er-ee if spelled Emery. I like Kate for the middle name.

You can Google name mapper and see how popular the name is in your state.

To me, it sounds like one of those names that is rising in popularity and will potentially be in the top 25 in the next few years but who knows.

3 moms found this helpful
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V.P.

answers from Columbus on

So, you asked for opinions, rudely called out people for giving what you asked for, changed your question several times without apologizing or amending your comments, all in an effort to make it look as though you were a victim of the mean ladies here. I agree - name the fruit of your womb whatever you want. Just one more post that makes me wonder why I even waste my time here...

3 moms found this helpful
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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't know any older than 5 but it seems to be popular right now. Pronounced with three syllables. Emery Katherine/Catherine/Katelyn/Kathleen would be nice. Kate is a nickname.

I like the name. It is an androgynous name. That is a GOOD thing. It will not hurt her when she sends out her resume for recruiters to not know her gender.

3 moms found this helpful

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

I don't know of anyone older than 5 with this name. In fact, I have never heard this name at all.

I would pronounce it Em-er-ry.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know one Emery who goes by Emmy - she is about 4.5 but I have no idea what she thinks of her name. It isn't my favorite name, but I prefer more traditional names.

Personally, I would say it with three syllables, but I would imagine more people would say it with two. It kind of depends on the accent in your part of the country - I'm in SoCal where most people are lazy with pronunciations compared to how I say them since I was born on the east coast.

I like all three middle names with it.

2 moms found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

3 syllables. That's how it's said.

Don't think it is gender specific.

Like Emery Grace. Feminine and a touch old fashioned but not too much. Still a popular name but not in the top 20.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Denver on

I like Emery Kate or Grace (although I prefer the Emory spelling). I don't know of any Emerys personally. I would pronounce it with 3 syllables.

Re: Theresa N's answer. I grew up in Japan, and the first thing I thought was "it sounds like a lot of my friends pronouncing the name Emily!" Yes, there were several Emilys growing up and yes, "Emery" is what they were called by our Japanese friends. Emily, Emery, both cute names!

2 moms found this helpful

E.A.

answers from Erie on

Emery is a character on the new sci fi show "Star Crossed". I suspect it will become popular in years to come if the show is successful.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Wausau on

I love the name!!!!!! It doesn't sound like a boys name at all. I don't know why anyone would pronounce it Emry (2 syllables), it sounds exactly as it spelled. Any of those middle names would be great too.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

Name her what you want and tell people how to pronounce it. We named our son Leighton(pronounced like Peyton but with an "L") as it is my husband's middle name, and I always get a look and a question, "how do you spell that?" I knew it would probably be a challenge once he started school, but I don't care, I love the name! I do like Emery Kate, pretty name!

2 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

I love the name Emery, but down here with our accents, I know she would be called, Emry.. so just be prepared for that.

Emery Grace is beautiful.

Just asked around.
My niece has a classmate named Emery that is a girl, she is a Sophomore in HS. Our daughter says she does not know any Emery's. But she is 23..

2 moms found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Jacksonville on

I'd say it with 3 syllables if it was spelled Emery. If you want to say it with 2 syllables, I'd spell it Emry, Emree, or Emreigh. I love all of your middle name choices- they'd all sound fantastic.I do love Grace, though. It's very feminine.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from San Francisco on

I love that name for a girl. I do know one who is just about 5 now I think. I'd want it to be pronounced with 3 syllables, but would likely get lazy most of the time and use 2.
The middle name choices are cute too. Check Baby Name Wizard/Name Voyager to see how popular it is right now. I don't think it's too much. Go with it!

2 moms found this helpful
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G.D.

answers from Detroit on

I know no one with the name and am familiar with many of the kids at three elementary schools 700+ kids.
I would assume it's three syllables, but if your asking then that is something she may face for a long time. It's possible that she will have to correct pronunciation of her name often, so be careful with the spelling. I would spell it Emery (I'd probably call her Emmi-my SO teases me because all the kids have nicknames with me). My 10 year old bonus daughter's name is Melia. We constantly have to spell the pronunciation (I tell ppl it's pronounced malia). She hates the spelling and the fact that even the video Santa pronounced her name wrong.
I like Emery Kate, but it depends on how many syllables your last name has too.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I love Emery Grace. and would pronouncy it Em er ry. I think the longer pronunciation is pretty. I don't know anyone named Emery.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Richmond on

emery or emily, emery kate..maybe, emery grace or emery kate or emily grace or emily jane...hmmmm K. h.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I've known one girl with that name and her parents pronounced it with three syllables.

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R.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

I think it is lovely. I have an Emelia Katelyn, Emme Kate for short, and it reminds me of her name so I am a little partial!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Killeen on

My husband wanted to name my daughter Emery Kate :). She is 15 now, we chose something different , but I still like it. I pronounce it Emry.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

1. No
2. 3 syllables
3. Emery Kate

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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I don't know any female Emerys at all!

I'd probably pronounce the name with three syllables, considering its spelling, but expect many people to pronounce it with two. Expect others to call her "Emmy."

As for the middle name, it may depend on your last name. Which one sounds best when you say the whole name (as in "Emery Kate Smith, Ph.D.," or "Emery Jane Smith, do I have to come up there?")? All three of your options sound good to me.

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S.F.

answers from Utica on

I honestly havent met anyone with this for a first name however for what its worth unless it was spelled emry I would pronounce it with 3 syllables.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Our daughter is named Emerson Jane. We sometimes call her Emsy, sometimes Em. I like both pronunciations of the name emery.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Detroit on

My DD has an Emery in her grade, eight years old, three syllables. I like Emery Kate best, but all three sound nice. Congrats!

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J.O.

answers from Bellingham on

I am a substitute teacher and get to try and pronounce a wide variety of names and spellings all the time. :) I would definitely pronounce Emery as Em-er-ree (3 syllables). Perhaps if you prefer only two syllables, you might consider altering the spelling to remove the second vowel (it indicates an additional syllable). That being said, it's YOUR name choice and you can decide how it's pronounced! I only know of one child named Emory and I think it's a great sounding name! Best wishes to you and YOUR decision!

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C.P.

answers from San Francisco on

No
Three syllables
Emery grace
... PS: cute question. :)

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I.O.

answers from McAllen on

I would use three syllables to pronounce this name.

Congratulations!

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D.H.

answers from Eugene on

I don't know anyone with this name. My son is 8, and I often see his class lists (Valentines, etc), and this is not a name I've ever heard him say, or that I've seen written on a class list. So, I am guessing it's not hugely popular. Check out babycenter.com or babynames.com for more info in that regard. Babynamewizard.com is also pretty cool. mamapedia will only suck the life out of you with the negativity of posters IMO.

Regarding pronunciation/spelling, I tend to like "normal" spelling names - since it avoids embarrassment for your child in later life. I can't tell you how many first names get butchered by announcers at swim meets that my older son attends. So, l like Emery best, and I would pronounce that with 3 syllables just like the prior post who is a substitute teacher. If you want it pronounced with just two syllables, I prefer the spelling Emrie best. Emry looks to me like you just forgot a letter. ;)

As for a middle name, I like Kate the best, but that's only because I had a mean teacher named Jane, and Grace is just not one of my faves. All the Kate's I know are awesome! :) Just my $.02.

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