Emma vs Ray

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
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Ray

Boy #777 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"wise protector"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#777
Total SSA Count
322
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ray →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Ray Rank #777

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #777 for Ray.

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

Ray ___

  • Ray Charles
  • Ray William
  • Ray Allen
  • Ray James
  • Ray Thomas
  • Ray Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Ray

June Mae Jack Leo 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 Ray more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Ray at #777 in the United States.

What do Emma and Ray mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Ray means "wise protector" (Germanic origin).

Are Emma and Ray boy or girl names?

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

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