Emma
Emma is a girl name of Germanic origin meaning “Whole, universal”, pronounced EM-uh. It ranked #3 in the United States in 2025, given to 12,754 babies, and peaked at #1 in 2008. Common nicknames: Em, Emmy, Emmie.
How popular is Emma in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Emma mean, and where does it come from?
Emma originates from the Germanic element "ermen," meaning "whole" or "universal." It was introduced to England by Emma of Normandy, who was queen consort to two English kings in the 11th century. The name enjoyed a revival in the 19th century partly thanks to Jane Austen's beloved 1815 novel of the same name. In modern times, Emma has been the number-one girl name in the United States for multiple years and consistently ranks among the top names across Europe, Australia, and Canada.
How is Emma used around the world?
Emma is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
Male FormEmmett
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Emma?
Famous People Named Emma
- Emma Watson — British actress and activist
- Emma Stone — American actress
- Emma Thompson — British actress and screenwriter
Similar Names to Emma
If you like Emma, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Emma
Looking for names that pair well with Emma? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Emma mean?
Emma is a girl name of Germanic origin meaning "Whole, universal." Emma originates from the Germanic element "ermen," meaning "whole" or "universal." It was introduced to England by Emma of Normandy, who was queen consort to two English kings in the 11th century.
How do you pronounce Emma?
Emma is pronounced EM-uh. Common variations include Ema, Imma, Hemma.
Is Emma a girl name?
Yes, Emma is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Em, Emmy, Emmie.