Emma vs Melissa

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 →

Melissa

Girl #377 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"honey bee"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

English Greek American Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#377
Total SSA Count
825
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mel, Lissy, Missy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Melissa →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Melissa Rank #377

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #377 for Melissa.

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

Melissa ___

  • Melissa Ann
  • Melissa Marie
  • Melissa Grace
  • Melissa Joy
  • Melissa Kate
  • Melissa Renee

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Melissa

Jessica Jennifer Michelle Brian Kevin

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 Melissa more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Melissa at #377 in the United States.

What do Emma and Melissa mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Melissa means "honey bee" (Ancient Greek origin).

Are Emma and Melissa boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Melissa is primarily a girl name.

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