Ava vs Emma

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Emma

Girl #2 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strength"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2
Total SSA Count
13,485
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Em, Emmy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Emma →

Popularity Comparison

Ava Rank #9
Emma Rank #2

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #9 for Ava.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Ava ___

  • Ava Rose
  • Ava Grace
  • Ava Marie
  • Ava Claire
  • Ava Elizabeth
  • Ava Mae

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 Ava

Liam Noah Olivia Sophia Isabella

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 Ava or Emma more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Ava at #9 in the United States.

What do Ava and Emma mean?

Ava means "life" (Germanic origin). Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin).

Are Ava and Emma boy or girl names?

Ava is primarily a girl name. Emma is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Emma vs Ava Ava vs Margaret Ava vs Sarah Ava vs Naomi Ava vs Ana
← Full profile: Ava ← Full profile: Emma Browse all baby names