Emma vs Hayes

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 →

Hayes

Boy #160 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"hedge dweller, from the enclosure"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#160
Total SSA Count
2,249
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hay, Haie, Haykins

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hayes →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Hayes Rank #160

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #160 for Hayes.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emma ___

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

Hayes ___

  • Hayes Alexander
  • Hayes James
  • Hayes William
  • Hayes Michael
  • Hayes Oliver
  • Hayes Thomas

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Hayes

Parker Quinn Sawyer Reid Monroe

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 Emma or Hayes more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Hayes at #160 in the United States.

What do Emma and Hayes mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Hayes means "hedge dweller, from the enclosure" (Old English origin).

Are Emma and Hayes boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Hayes is primarily a boy name.

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