Emma vs Payson

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 →

Payson

Boy #2,637 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)"

Origin: Old English/Latin

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,637
Total SSA Count
50
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Pay, Paz

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Payson →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Payson Rank #2,637

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #2637 for Payson.

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

Payson ___

  • Payson James
  • Payson Thomas
  • Payson Lee
  • Payson Cole
  • Payson Reed
  • Payson Grant

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Payson

Mason Grayson Hadley Peyton Kinsley

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 Payson more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Payson at #2637 in the United States.

What do Emma and Payson mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Payson means "son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)" (Old English/Latin origin).

Are Emma and Payson boy or girl names?

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

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