Emma vs Merle

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Merle

Boy #4,664 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"blackbird"

Origin: Old French from Latin merula

Cultural Roots

French English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,664
Total SSA Count
22
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mer, Mey, Meie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Merle →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Merle Rank #4,664

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #4664 for Merle.

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

Merle ___

  • Merle Wayne
  • Merle Ray
  • Merle Dean
  • Merle Gene
  • Merle Lee
  • Merle Dale

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Merle

Earl Glen Dale Vera Pearl

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 Merle more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Merle at #4664 in the United States.

What do Emma and Merle mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Merle means "blackbird" (Old French from Latin merula origin).

Are Emma and Merle boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Merle is primarily a boy name.

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