Emma vs Lester

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 →

Lester

Boy #1,578 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"Roman fort on the River Leir"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,578
Total SSA Count
109
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Les

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lester →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Lester Rank #1,578

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #1578 for Lester.

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

Lester ___

  • Lester Wayne
  • Lester Dale
  • Lester James
  • Lester Ray
  • Lester Glenn
  • Lester Harold

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Lester

Chester Clifford Mildred Harold Edna

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 Lester more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Lester at #1578 in the United States.

What do Emma and Lester mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Lester means "Roman fort on the River Leir" (Old English origin).

Are Emma and Lester boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Lester is primarily a boy name.

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