Emma
Meaning: Whole, universal; all-embracing
Origin: Old Germanic Ermen or Irmin — meaning universal or whole
Gender: Unisex
Rank in France: #3754
Total births: 165,640
History: From the Germanic meaning whole or universal. Emma became the number one girl's name in France in the 2000s and held the top spot for years. Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" features the iconic Emma. The name represents the modern French love of short, elegant names with international appeal.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from France’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2021) | #3 |
| Babies named Emma in 2021 | 3,202 |
| Total recorded in France | 165,555 |
| Peak year | 2006 (7,102 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1900–2021 (122 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 2 spots |
Frequently asked about Emma
What does the name Emma mean?
Emma means “Whole, universal; all-embracing” from Old Germanic Ermen or Irmin — meaning universal or whole roots.
What is the origin of the name Emma?
Emma has Old Germanic Ermen or Irmin — meaning universal or whole origin. The traditional meaning is “Whole, universal; all-embracing”.
How popular is Emma in France?
Emma ranked #3 in France in 2021 — given to 3,202 babies that year.
When was Emma most popular?
Emma peaked in 2006 with 7,102 babies registered that year in France.
Is Emma a boy or girl name?
Emma is predominantly a girls' name in France — over 90% of Emmas in registered births are female.
How long has Emma been recorded in France?
Emma appears in birth records in France across 122 years — from 1900 through 2021.