Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Emma is a name of Germanic origin meaning 'whole' or 'universal'. It evolved from historical forms such as Ema and Emm. The name gained significant popularity in the 19th century, particularly due to its use in literature. It is seen as a classic name with positive traits. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛm.ə/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Emma is derived from the Germanic word 'ermen', meaning 'whole' or 'universal'. It was popularized in the 19th century by literature.
Meaning
Whole, universal
Language Evolution
Ema, Emm, Emma
Historical Usage
Emma gained popularity in the early 19th century, particularly after the publication of Jane Austen's novel 'Emma' in 1815.
Variants & Derivatives
Em, Emmie, Emmaline, Emmalyn
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Emma is regarded as a classic and timeless name, often associated with kindness and beauty.
Famous People
Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Emma Roberts
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 22,756 peak births in 2003
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1554th of 7545 | 364 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1683rd of 6773 | 328 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3618th of 7552 | 93 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6333rd of 16616 | 95 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3691st of 24088 | 404 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6021st of 23106 | 173 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 42nd of 9107 | 101,618 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 96th of 9204 | 52,320 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 215th of 12526 | 27,082 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 428th of 19264 | 8,030 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 126th of 27321 | 38,157 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3rd of 35406 | 268,499 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2nd of 30306 | 210,689 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
62.05% 1460th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
56.72% 2946th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
53.99% 2788th/5164 |
34.94% 2555th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
- |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.94% 70th/1416 |
4.28% 59th/1379 |
1.35% 32nd/2366 |
4.90% 56th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
9.25% 143rd/1546 |
9.32% 145th/1556 |
1.74% 41st/2353 |
9.18% 142nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.82% 330th/2227 |
13.50% 328th/2430 |
4.42% 126th/2853 |
12.50% 347th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.04% 471st/2937 |
13.06% 455th/3483 |
10.40% 366th/3518 |
11.62% 470th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.04% 112th/3685 |
2.23% 100th/4475 |
3.37% 175th/5194 |
2.26% 143rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.04% 2nd/4582 |
0.06% 3rd/5164 |
0.05% 4th/7313 |
0.07% 5th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
0.05% 2nd/3984 |
0.04% 2nd/4487 |
0.03% 2nd/6822 |
0.03% 2nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1554th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1683rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3618th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7574th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6333rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3691st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6021st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 42nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 96th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 215th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 428th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 126th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.