Emma vs Leslie

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 →

Leslie

Girl #604 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"grey fortress, grey enclosure"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish American English Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#604
Total SSA Count
495
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Les, Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Leslie →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Leslie Rank #604

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #604 for Leslie.

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

Leslie ___

  • Leslie Ann
  • Leslie Marie
  • Leslie Jane
  • Leslie Grace
  • Leslie Claire
  • Leslie Hope

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Leslie

Valerie Brenda Shirley Gary Douglas

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 Leslie more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Leslie at #604 in the United States.

What do Emma and Leslie mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Leslie means "grey fortress, grey enclosure" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are Emma and Leslie boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Leslie is primarily a girl name.

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