Ema is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word 'ama', meaning 'mother'. It is often used as a shortened form of other names like Emma or Amalia. In some cultures, Ema may also be associated with the Greek goddess Hera, who was known for her motherly qualities. The name has gained popularity worldwide and can be found in various spellings such as Éma, Emae, or Eama.
The name Ema experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with birth totals ranging from just 5 to an all-time high of 155 in recent years (2023). The trend shows a consistent rise since the 1970s, with a notable spike starting around the late 1990s. This steady growth suggests that Ema has become increasingly appealing as a baby girl's name over time.