Emma vs Megan

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 →

Megan

Girl #761 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"pearl"

Origin: Greek via Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#761
Total SSA Count
369
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Meg, Meggie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Megan →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Megan Rank #761

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #761 for Megan.

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

Megan ___

  • Megan Rose
  • Megan Anne
  • Megan Lynn
  • Megan Marie
  • Megan Elizabeth
  • Megan Grace

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Megan

Ryan Kevin Shannon Bridget Connor

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 Megan more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Megan at #761 in the United States.

What do Emma and Megan mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Megan means "pearl" (Greek via Welsh origin).

Are Emma and Megan boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Megan is primarily a girl name.

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