Abigail vs Emma

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Abigail

Girl #32 Most Popular 4 Syllables

Meaning

"father's joy"

Origin: Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#32
Total SSA Count
5,499
Syllables
4
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Abby, Abbie, Gail

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Abigail →

Popularity Comparison

Abigail Rank #32
Emma Rank #2

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #32 for Abigail.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Abigail ___

  • Abigail Grace
  • Abigail Rose
  • Abigail Jane
  • Abigail Mae
  • Abigail Elizabeth
  • Abigail Kate

Emma ___

  • Emma Rose
  • Emma Grace
  • Emma Jane
  • Emma Louise
  • Emma Kate
  • Emma Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Abigail

Hannah Samuel Benjamin Naomi Caleb

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abigail or Emma more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Abigail at #32 in the United States.

What do Abigail and Emma mean?

Abigail means "father's joy" (Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil origin). Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin).

Are Abigail and Emma boy or girl names?

Abigail is primarily a girl name. Emma is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Emma vs Abigail Abigail vs Everleigh Abigail vs Kaylee Abigail vs Isabel Abigail vs River
← Full profile: Abigail ← Full profile: Emma Browse all baby names