Emma vs Laura

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 →

Laura

Girl #358 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"laurel tree"

Origin: Latin (laurus)

Cultural Roots

English Italian Spanish German American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#358
Total SSA Count
868
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Laur, Laurie, Laurel

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Laura →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Laura Rank #358

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #358 for Laura.

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

Laura ___

  • Laura Anne
  • Laura Jane
  • Laura Elizabeth
  • Laura Marie
  • Laura Grace
  • Laura Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Laura

Claire Megan Michael David Susan

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 Laura more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Laura at #358 in the United States.

What do Emma and Laura mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Laura means "laurel tree" (Latin (laurus) origin).

Are Emma and Laura boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Laura is primarily a girl name.

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