Emma vs Marlei

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

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Marlei Rank #5,042

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #5042 for Marlei.

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

Marlei ___

  • Marlei Grace
  • Marlei Ann
  • Marlei Jo
  • Marlei Faye
  • Marlei June
  • Marlei Dawn

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Marlei

Harley Briar Sloane Beckett Wren

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 Marlei more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Marlei at #5042 in the United States.

What do Emma and Marlei mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Marlei means "meadow near the pool" (Old English origin).

Are Emma and Marlei boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Marlei is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons