Emma vs Kathryn

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
Kathryn Rank #716

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #716 for Kathryn.

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

Kathryn ___

  • Kathryn Anne
  • Kathryn Elizabeth
  • Kathryn Marie
  • Kathryn Louise
  • Kathryn Grace
  • Kathryn Jane

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Kathryn

Margaret Elizabeth William Thomas Eleanor

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 Kathryn more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Kathryn at #716 in the United States.

What do Emma and Kathryn mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Kathryn means "pure, clear" (Greek katharos origin).

Are Emma and Kathryn boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Kathryn is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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