Emma
Emma first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2003, when 22,719 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 12,754.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Emma popular?
Steady Emma has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2003.
| 2020s | 85,652 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 195,070 | |
| 2000s | 181,414 | |
| 1990s | 58,252 | |
| 1980s | 10,381 | |
| 1970s | 4,665 | |
| 1960s | 6,993 | |
| 1950s | 14,613 | |
| 1940s | 22,788 | |
| 1930s | 30,022 | |
| 1920s | 46,538 | |
| 1910s | 41,819 | |
| 1900s | 24,176 | |
| 1890s | 28,652 | |
| 1880s | 25,404 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Emma mean?
Emma comes from the Germanic ermen, meaning “whole” or “universal.” It has been used in England since the Norman Conquest.
Nicknames for Emma
- Em
- Emmy
Variants & spellings
- Ema
- Emmy
Names like Emma
Germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Emma
Popular Germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Emma mean?
Emma means Whole, universal. Emma comes from the Germanic ermen, meaning “whole” or “universal.” It has been used in England since the Norman Conquest.
What is the origin of the name Emma?
Emma is of Germanic origin.
How do you pronounce Emma?
Emma is pronounced “EM-uh.”
Is Emma a boy or a girl name?
Emma is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Emma a popular name right now?
Emma has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2003.
How popular is the name Emma?
In 2025, Emma ranked #3 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Emma most popular?
Emma was most popular in 2003, when about 22,719 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Emma?
Common nicknames for Emma include Em, Emmy.
What names are similar to Emma?
Names similar to Emma include Ava, Mia, Grace, Ella.
What names go well with Emma?
Germanic names that pair well with Emma include Robert, William, Charles, Amelia, Henry.