Emma vs Marissa

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 →

Marissa

Girl #1,496 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, variant of Maria"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

American English Italian Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,496
Total SSA Count
145
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Rissa, Mari, Marri

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marissa →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Marissa Rank #1,496

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #1496 for Marissa.

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

Marissa ___

  • Marissa Anne
  • Marissa Lynn
  • Marissa Grace
  • Marissa Elizabeth
  • Marissa Nicole
  • Marissa Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Marissa

Melissa Vanessa Cassandra Jessica Brandon

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 Marissa more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Marissa at #1496 in the United States.

What do Emma and Marissa mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Marissa means "beloved, variant of Maria" (Latin origin).

Are Emma and Marissa boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Marissa is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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