Emma vs Katharine

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 →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Katharine Rank #4,801

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #4801 for Katharine.

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

Katharine ___

  • Katharine Rose
  • Katharine Anne
  • Katharine Jane
  • Katharine Grace
  • Katharine Elizabeth
  • Katharine Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Katharine

Eleanor Margaret William Henry Charlotte

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 Katharine more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Katharine at #4801 in the United States.

What do Emma and Katharine mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Katharine means "pure, clean" (Greek 'katharos' origin).

Are Emma and Katharine boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Katharine is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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