Emma vs Tess

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 →

Tess

Girl #1,774 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"to harvest, reaper"

Origin: Greek therizo

Cultural Roots

English Irish American European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,774
Total SSA Count
113
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Tess →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Tess Rank #1,774

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #1774 for Tess.

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

Tess ___

  • Tess Anne
  • Tess Elaine
  • Tess Miriam
  • Tess Jo
  • Tess Louise
  • Tess Marie

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Tess

Nora Alice Cecily Arthur Edmund

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 Tess more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Tess at #1774 in the United States.

What do Emma and Tess mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Tess means "to harvest, reaper" (Greek therizo origin).

Are Emma and Tess boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Tess is primarily a girl name.

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