Cathryn vs Emma

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Cathryn

Girl #6,716 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pure, clear"

Origin: Greek (katharos)

Cultural Roots

Welsh English Greek Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#6,716
Total SSA Count
17
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Cath, Cat, Cathy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Cathryn →

Popularity Comparison

Cathryn Rank #6,716
Emma Rank #2

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #6716 for Cathryn.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Cathryn ___

  • Cathryn Anne
  • Cathryn Elizabeth
  • Cathryn Louise
  • Cathryn Grace
  • Cathryn Jane
  • Cathryn Marie

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 Cathryn

Eleanor Margaret William Edward Charlotte

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 Cathryn or Emma more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Cathryn at #6716 in the United States.

What do Cathryn and Emma mean?

Cathryn means "pure, clear" (Greek (katharos) origin). Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin).

Are Cathryn and Emma boy or girl names?

Cathryn is primarily a girl name. Emma is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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← Full profile: Cathryn ← Full profile: Emma Browse all baby names