Emma vs Joshua

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 →

Joshua

Boy #57 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"may God deliver"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English Christian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#57
Total SSA Count
5,244
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Josh, Jo

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Joshua →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Joshua Rank #57

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #57 for Joshua.

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

Joshua ___

  • Joshua Alexander
  • Joshua James
  • Joshua Michael
  • Joshua Thomas
  • Joshua David
  • Joshua Ryan

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Joshua

Caleb Noah Hannah Abigail Elijah

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 Joshua more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Joshua at #57 in the United States.

What do Emma and Joshua mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Joshua means "may God deliver" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emma and Joshua boy or girl names?

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

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