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 statistics show a significant increase in the number of births named Emma from the early 1880s until around the year 2000. The peak occurred in 2002 with 22,716 births, after which there was a steady decline. In recent years, the total has stabilized around 15,000-20,000 births per year. The overall trend suggests that Emma was a popular name during the late 20th century but has since become less common.