Emma vs Kathleen

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 →

Kathleen

Girl #1,110 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pure, virginal"

Origin: Greek katharos via Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish American British Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,110
Total SSA Count
220
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Kathy, Kate, Kat

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Kathleen' rhymes with 'mean'"}

Full profile for Kathleen →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Kathleen Rank #1,110

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #1110 for Kathleen.

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

Kathleen ___

  • Kathleen Anne
  • Kathleen Marie
  • Kathleen Grace
  • Kathleen Rose
  • Kathleen Margaret
  • Kathleen Elizabeth

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Kathleen

Bridget Maureen Colleen Patrick Michael

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 Kathleen more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Kathleen at #1110 in the United States.

What do Emma and Kathleen mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Kathleen means "pure, virginal" (Greek katharos via Irish origin).

Are Emma and Kathleen boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Kathleen is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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