Emma vs Katherine

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
Katherine Rank #175

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #175 for Katherine.

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

Katherine ___

  • Katherine Elizabeth
  • Katherine Anne
  • Katherine Grace
  • Katherine Marie
  • Katherine Louise
  • Katherine Rose

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Katherine

William Henry Charlotte Edward Margaret

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 Katherine more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Katherine at #175 in the United States.

What do Emma and Katherine mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Katherine means "pure" (Greek origin).

Are Emma and Katherine boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Katherine is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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