✦ Girl’s name · US records 1880–2024
Emma
Germanic root used across European languages
Emma appeared in the US girl naming records from 1880 through 2024, reaching its highest point in 2003. It is a 2-syllable girl name ranked #33 by total recorded use.
#33girl rank
2003peak year
2syllables
Origin of the spelling
Origin & meaning
OriginGermanic root used across European languages
MeaningFrom the Germanic element irmin, commonly interpreted as “whole” or “great.”
Emma began as a short form for Germanic names containing the element irmin. Its historical use in England is closely associated with Emma of Normandy, and it later appeared in English literary tradition.
The name was common in England after the Norman Conquest, then experienced a renewed rise in several countries from the late 20th century.
Related forms
EmaIrmaEmmy
Reviewed 2026-08-15 · Sources
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