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girl name · Germanic origin

Emma

/ EM-uh /
Girl Germanic 2 syllables
Meaning
Emma means Whole, universal (Germanic).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Germanic
Pronunciation
EM-uh
Popularity
#3 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Emma in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

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.

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

Variants & spellings

  • Ema
  • Emmy

Names like Emma

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.

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.