Emma vs Mae

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 →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Mae Rank #530

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #530 for Mae.

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

Mae ___

  • Mae Elizabeth
  • Mae Louise
  • Mae Catherine
  • Mae Caroline
  • Mae Alexandra
  • Mae Josephine

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Mae

Rose Pearl June Beatrice Iris

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 Mae more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Mae at #530 in the United States.

What do Emma and Mae mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Mae means "pearl" (Greek via Latin origin).

Are Emma and Mae boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Mae is primarily a girl name.

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