Emma is a popular female given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old German word "ermen," which means "whole" or "universal." The name was introduced to England by way of the Normans during the Middle Ages and gained popularity through its association with Emma of Normandy, who married King Æthelred the Unready in 1002.
Emma's popularity as a given name has been consistent throughout history. It was one of the top ten female names in England during the late medieval period and remained popular into the modern era. In the United States, Emma ranked among the top five most popular girl's names from 2008 to 2016.
The name Emma is often associated with its diminutive forms such as Emmaline, EmmaLee, or even Mabel (a medieval variant). It also shares a root with other Germanic names like Elmer and Emanual. Despite these variations, the original form of Emma remains the most widely used version of the name.
In literature, Emma is perhaps best known for being the protagonist of Jane Austen's novel "Emma." The character is clever, independent, and well-intentioned but sometimes misguided in her attempts to play matchmaker. This portrayal has contributed significantly to Emma's enduring popularity as a given name.
Overall, Emma is a strong, versatile name with a rich historical background that continues to be beloved by parents around the world. Its meaning, "whole" or "universal," makes it an appealing choice for many families looking for a significant and timeless name for their daughters.
The name Emma has been a popular choice for baby girls in the United States over the past century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. According to the data provided, the number of babies named Emma born each year ranged from a low of 493 in 1968 to a high of 20968 in 2012.
From 1900 to around 1950, the popularity of the name Emma was relatively stable, with an average of about 2000 babies named Emma born each year. However, starting in the late 1950s and continuing into the 1960s, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Emma. This trend continued until the mid-1970s when the popularity of the name began to rise again.
The late 1980s marked another turning point for the name Emma, with its popularity starting to grow rapidly. By the year 2000, more than 12500 babies named Emma were born in the United States alone. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with the name Emma reaching unprecedented levels of popularity among baby girls.
In fact, as per the latest available data from 2023, there are still over 13000 babies being named Emma annually in the United States, making it one of the top choices for baby girl names today. This long-term analysis highlights how a name can gain and lose popularity over time, with Emma's story showing particularly dramatic fluctuations.