I've recently realized that I think
Emmeline is a nice name. I overlook it because it begins with
Em- like the oh-so-popular
Emily and
Emma. Although I do like
Emma too. To me it has a very pleasant plain, old-fashioned, Little House on the Prairie feel.
I'm totally with you though, I don't usually like -ine names either, and I am surprised that
Emmeline isn't more popular in the US for those same reasons.