Emma vs Marla

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 →

Marla

Girl #2,326 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"woman of Magdala, beloved"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

American German English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,326
Total SSA Count
79
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mar, Marley

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marla →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Marla Rank #2,326

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #2326 for Marla.

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

Marla ___

  • Marla Jean
  • Marla Ann
  • Marla Kay
  • Marla Lynn
  • Marla Rose
  • Marla Grace

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Marla

Darla Carla Sharla Harlan Garland

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 Marla more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Marla at #2326 in the United States.

What do Emma and Marla mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Marla means "woman of Magdala, beloved" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emma and Marla boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Marla is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Marla vs Emma Emma vs Olivia Emma vs Daphne Emma vs Amaya Emma vs Parker
← Full profile: Emma ← Full profile: Marla Browse all baby names