Meaning, origin, history
Emma is a female given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "ermen" and "heim", which together mean "home ruler". The name Emma has been popular for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages.
In the 10th century, Emma was a very popular name among the Anglo-Saxons. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Emma of Normandy, who became the queen consort of both King Æthelred the Unready and King Cnut the Great in England. She is often referred to as "Emma the Daughter of Richard" or "Emma of Normandy".
The name Emma also has ties to Scandinavia. In Norway, Emma was a popular name among the royal family. Several queens and princesses named Emma have ruled over Norway throughout history.
In recent years, Emma has become a popular choice for baby girls in many English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Emma has been one of the top 10 most popular names for newborn girls since 2008.
Overall, Emma is a name with a rich history and a strong connection to power and leadership. Its meaning, "home ruler", reflects its Germanic origins and association with powerful women throughout history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Emma since 1880
Total births
1,701
Total since 1880
Peak year
2004
102 births
in 2023
17
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+17%
↗
vs previous 5 years