Emma vs Maria

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 →

Maria

Girl #74 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"drop of the sea, star of the sea"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Spanish Italian Portuguese German Polish Latin American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#74
Total SSA Count
3,105
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mari, Ria, Mia

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Maria →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Maria Rank #74

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #74 for Maria.

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

Maria ___

  • Maria Elena
  • Maria Theresa
  • Maria Lucia
  • Maria Isabelle
  • Maria Christina
  • Maria Celeste

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Maria

Elena Lucia Isabella Carlos Diego

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 Maria more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Maria at #74 in the United States.

What do Emma and Maria mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Maria means "drop of the sea, star of the sea" (Latin origin).

Are Emma and Maria boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Maria is primarily a girl name.

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