Ema

Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility.

From its German roots, Ema is a form of the classic Emma, used in Spanish, Portuguese, Slovene, Croatian, Bosnian, Czech, Slovak, and Lithuanian. A high-ranking choice in a number of Slavic and Baltic countries, it also features in the charts in Chile, Portugal, and the UK.

As a Japanese name, Ema (pronounced with both syllables stressed) has a variety of means, depending on what kanji symbols are used. Possibilities include (but aren't limited to): "favor + flax seed", "prosperity + abundance", "blossoming + affection, love", "reliant + jasmine", and "picture, painting + truth".

Ema also ranks highly in Israel where it may well be used as a form of Emma, but other sources suggest it can mean "divine mother" or simply "mother", from the Hebrew ima, combined with ah/eh, representing God. Additionally, it can be used as a short for of Emuna meaning "faith".

Pronounced EH-muh.

As of October 2026, Ema ranked #1349 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #717 in 1883.