Emma vs Hilary

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 →

Hilary

Girl #4,118 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"cheerful, merry, joyful"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English American British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,118
Total SSA Count
35
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hil, Hill

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hilary →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Hilary Rank #4,118

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #4118 for Hilary.

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

Hilary ___

  • Hilary Anne
  • Hilary Jane
  • Hilary Clare
  • Hilary Rose
  • Hilary Grace
  • Hilary Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Hilary

Mallory Avery Ellery Bradley Courtney

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 Hilary more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Hilary at #4118 in the United States.

What do Emma and Hilary mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Hilary means "cheerful, merry, joyful" (Latin origin).

Are Emma and Hilary boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Hilary is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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