Emma vs Willa

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 →

Willa

Girl #423 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#423
Total SSA Count
729
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Will, Willi

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Willa →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Willa Rank #423

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #423 for Willa.

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

Willa ___

  • Willa Grace
  • Willa Rose
  • Willa Jane
  • Willa Mae
  • Willa Claire
  • Willa Kate

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Willa

Hazel June Cecily Theodore 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 Willa more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Willa at #423 in the United States.

What do Emma and Willa mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Willa means "resolute protector" (Germanic origin).

Are Emma and Willa boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Willa is primarily a girl name.

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