Emma vs Madeline

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 →

Madeline

Girl #87 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"woman from Magdala"

Origin: Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine)

Cultural Roots

English French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#87
Total SSA Count
2,907
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Maddie, Maddi, Maddie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Madeline →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Madeline Rank #87

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #87 for Madeline.

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

Madeline ___

  • Madeline Rose
  • Madeline Grace
  • Madeline Claire
  • Madeline Elise
  • Madeline Jane
  • Madeline Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Madeline

Charlotte Eleanor Josephine Henry Oliver

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 Madeline more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Madeline at #87 in the United States.

What do Emma and Madeline mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Madeline means "woman from Magdala" (Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine) origin).

Are Emma and Madeline boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Madeline is primarily a girl name.

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