Emma vs Marlene

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 →

Marlene

Girl #1,555 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"wished-for child"

Origin: Hebrew (via Maria)

Cultural Roots

German French American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,555
Total SSA Count
137
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Marle, Lena, Marli

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marlene →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Marlene Rank #1,555

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #1555 for Marlene.

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

Marlene ___

  • Marlene Grace
  • Marlene Louise
  • Marlene Anne
  • Marlene Claire
  • Marlene Rose
  • Marlene Jane

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Marlene

Ingrid Gertrude Hildegard Claus Heinrich

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 Marlene more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Marlene at #1555 in the United States.

What do Emma and Marlene mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Marlene means "wished-for child" (Hebrew (via Maria) origin).

Are Emma and Marlene boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Marlene is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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