Emma vs Joanna

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 →

Joanna

Girl #329 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"God is gracious"

Origin: Hebrew via Greek and Latin

Cultural Roots

English Polish Spanish Greek Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#329
Total SSA Count
942
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Jo, Jojo, Anna

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Joanna →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Joanna Rank #329

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #329 for Joanna.

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

Joanna ___

  • Joanna Rose
  • Joanna Marie
  • Joanna Elizabeth
  • Joanna Grace
  • Joanna Lee

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Joanna

Hannah Eliza Thomas Daniel Ruth

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 Joanna more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Joanna at #329 in the United States.

What do Emma and Joanna mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Joanna means "God is gracious" (Hebrew via Greek and Latin origin).

Are Emma and Joanna boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Joanna is primarily a girl name.

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