Emma vs Lillian

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Lillian

Girl #54 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"lily flower, pure"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#54
Total SSA Count
3,882
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lily, Lil, Lillie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lillian →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Lillian Rank #54

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #54 for Lillian.

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

Lillian ___

  • Lillian Rose
  • Lillian Grace
  • Lillian Mae
  • Lillian Marie
  • Lillian Anne
  • Lillian Jean

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Lillian

Violet Iris Henry Theodore Eloise

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 Lillian more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Lillian at #54 in the United States.

What do Emma and Lillian mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Lillian means "lily flower, pure" (Latin origin).

Are Emma and Lillian boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Lillian is primarily a girl name.

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