Emma vs Selene

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 →

Selene

Girl #674 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"moon, light"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

Greek Italian Spanish French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#674
Total SSA Count
424
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Selly, Lena, Sel

Playground Safety Score

15 High Risk

{:type=>:rhyme, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Selene' rhymes with 'mean'"}

Full profile for Selene →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Selene Rank #674

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #674 for Selene.

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

Selene ___

  • Selene Rose
  • Selene Marie
  • Selene Grace
  • Selene Aurora
  • Selene Jade
  • Selene Faye

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Selene

Athena Chloe Iris Luna Apollo

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 Selene more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Selene at #674 in the United States.

What do Emma and Selene mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Selene means "moon, light" (Greek origin).

Are Emma and Selene boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Selene is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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