Emma vs Mara

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 →

Mara

Girl #588 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bitter"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish Irish Slavic Spanish English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#588
Total SSA Count
514
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Mara →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Mara Rank #588

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #588 for Mara.

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

Mara ___

  • Mara Jane
  • Mara Grace
  • Mara Louise
  • Mara Elizabeth
  • Mara Rose
  • Mara Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Mara

Nora Cora Lena Eli Simon

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 Mara more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Mara at #588 in the United States.

What do Emma and Mara mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Mara means "bitter" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emma and Mara boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Mara is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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