Emma vs Paula

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 →

Paula

Girl #753 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Spanish Italian German English Brazilian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#753
Total SSA Count
374
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Polly, Pau, Paulie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Paula →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Paula Rank #753

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #753 for Paula.

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

Paula ___

  • Paula Marie
  • Paula Ann
  • Paula Jean
  • Paula Grace
  • Paula Elizabeth
  • Paula Louise

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Paula

Peter Patricia Michael Barbara Mark

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 Paula more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Paula at #753 in the United States.

What do Emma and Paula mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Paula means "small, humble" (Latin origin).

Are Emma and Paula boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Paula is primarily a girl name.

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