Emma vs Mary

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 →

Mary

Girl #132 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"sea of bitterness"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Irish Christian Hebrew

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#132
Total SSA Count
2,196
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Molly, Polly, May

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Mary →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Mary Rank #132

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #132 for Mary.

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

Mary ___

  • Mary Grace
  • Mary Elizabeth
  • Mary Jane
  • Mary Ann
  • Mary Rose
  • Mary Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Mary

Anne Elizabeth John James Margaret

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 Mary more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Mary at #132 in the United States.

What do Emma and Mary mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Mary means "sea of bitterness" (Hebrew origin).

Are Emma and Mary boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Mary is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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