Emma vs Margaret

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
Margaret Rank #119

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #119 for Margaret.

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

Margaret ___

  • Margaret Rose
  • Margaret Ann
  • Margaret Jane
  • Margaret Claire
  • Margaret Louise
  • Margaret Elise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Margaret

Eleanor Catherine Edward William Charlotte

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 Margaret more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Margaret at #119 in the United States.

What do Emma and Margaret mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Margaret means "pearl" (Greek origin).

Are Emma and Margaret boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Margaret is primarily a girl name.

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