Emma vs Lea

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 →

Lea

Girl #834 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"weary"

Origin: Hebrew Leah

Cultural Roots

French Italian Spanish German Hebrew American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#834
Total SSA Count
324
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Lea' rhymes with 'pee'"}

Full profile for Lea →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Lea Rank #834

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #834 for Lea.

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

Lea ___

  • Lea Marie
  • Lea Sophie
  • Lea Grace
  • Lea Victoria
  • Lea Claire
  • Lea Simone

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Lea

Mia Ines Chloe Sophie Hugo

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 Lea more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Lea at #834 in the United States.

What do Emma and Lea mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Lea means "weary" (Hebrew Leah origin).

Are Emma and Lea boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Lea is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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