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Emma Girl

Popularity: #908 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEM-uh / ˈɛm.ə

German; Latin; English

Meaning

Universal; whole; all

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Emma has its roots in the Germanic word "ermen," meaning "whole" or "universal." This term was adopted into Old French as "Aima" or "Emme," which eventually made its way into Middle English. The name gained popularity in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was used in various forms, including "Emmeline" and "Emm". The transition into modern English solidified the name as "Emma" by the 19th century, particularly through literary influences.

Historically, Emma has been borne by several notable figures, including Emma of Normandy, who was the queen consort of both Æthelred the Unready and Cnut in the early 11th century. Her prominence in the royal lineage helped to establish the name within English nobility. Additionally, the name appears in literature, most famously in Jane Austen's novel "Emma," published in 1815, which contributed to its cultural significance and literary associations. The character of Emma Woodhouse embodies traits of intelligence and social awareness, further enriching the name's historical context.

Culturally, the name Emma has been associated with notions of strength and femininity, often reflecting the qualities of the women who bore it throughout history. Its use in various royal and noble families across Europe has lent it an air of dignity and grace. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as "Emmy" or "Em," which have been used affectionately in different cultures. Overall, Emma's enduring legacy is marked by its linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance, making it a name rich in heritage.

Trend Summary

Emma has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Em
  • Emmy

International Variants

  • Émma (Irish)
  • Emilia (Italian)
  • Ema (Slavic)

Famous people named Emma

Emma Watson is an actress and activist best known for the Harry Potter series, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Women.

Emma Stone is an actress best known for La La Land, Easy A, and The Favourite.

Emma Roberts is an actress best known for American Horror Story, Scream Queens, and We're the Millers.

Emma Thompson is an actress and screenwriter best known for Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually, and Nanny McPhee.

Emma Bunton is a singer and television presenter best known as a member of the Spice Girls and for her solo music career.

Emma Corrin is an actress best known for The Crown and My Policeman.

Emma Chamberlain is a social media influencer and YouTuber best known for her vlogs and lifestyle content.

Fictional characters named Emma

Emma Woodhouse is a fictional character from the novel Emma by Jane Austen. She is a wealthy young woman who enjoys matchmaking but learns valuable lessons about love and self-awareness throughout the story.

Emma Swan is a fictional character from the TV series Once Upon a Time. She is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and she plays a crucial role in breaking a curse that affects the fairy tale characters.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Emma was first seen in the United States in 1880. Emma has ranked as high as #1240 nationally, which occurred in 2004, and has been most popular in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, District of Columbia, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Emma has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Emma (2020)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188010
18819
18827
18837
18849
188514
188611
188714
188817
188910
189016
189113
189212
189314
189415
189512
189611
18988
189910
190021
19018
190211
190310
190412
19056
19068
190711
19095
191017
19118
191210
191311
191411
191524
191617
191715
191819
191912
192010
192112
192216
192321
192423
192519
192623
192725
192820
192923
193022
193124
193219
193329
193427
193520
193615
193718
193818
193916
194022
194114
194217
19435
194413
19456
194610
194711
19486
19499
19505
195310
19547
19555
19567
19575
19595
19628
19635
19685
19715
19736
19795
19825
19837
19847
19865
19879
198811
198918
19909
19938
19945
19955
19966
19979
199811
199917
200015
200114
200215
200337
2004102
200536
200622
200721
200815
200920
201017
201133
201220
201318
201412
201510
201618
201714
20189
201911
202019
202114
202215
202317
202416