Emma vs Marlena

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 →

Marlena

Girl #3,537 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"drop of the sea, bitter sea"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

German Polish Slavic English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,537
Total SSA Count
44
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Marlee, Lena, Marla

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marlena →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Marlena Rank #3,537

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #3537 for Marlena.

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

Marlena ___

  • Marlena Rose
  • Marlena Grace
  • Marlena Claire
  • Marlena Elise
  • Marlena Joy
  • Marlena Jane

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Marlena

Greta Ingrid Helga Lena Ilse

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 Marlena more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Marlena at #3537 in the United States.

What do Emma and Marlena mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Marlena means "drop of the sea, bitter sea" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emma and Marlena boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Marlena is primarily a girl name.

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