The beautiful baby name Emma has a rich and fascinating history. Learn more about this delightful baby girl name.
Origin and Meaning of the Name Emma
The name Emma is of Germanic origin and is derived from the element “ermen,” which means “whole” or “universal.” It can also be linked to the Germanic word “irmin,” meaning “strength” or “entire.” Emma has been used as a given name since the medieval period.
Popularity of Emma
Emma has been consistently popular in many English-speaking countries for centuries. It saw a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the United States, Emma has been one of the most popular baby girl names for several years, frequently ranking in the top 10 or top 5.
Literary References
The name Emma gained literary fame through Jane Austen's novel “Emma,” published in 1815. The titular character, Emma Woodhouse, is a well-known literary figure and is considered one of Austen's most beloved heroines.
Famous Individuals Named Emma
There are many notable individuals named Emma, including:
- Emma Watson (actor)
- Emma Stone (actor)
- Emma Thompson (actor)
- Emma Lazarus (novelist/poet)
Variations and Diminutives
Variations of Emma exist in various languages, such as Emilia (Italian), Emmeline (French), and Emmi (Finnish). Diminutive forms include Emmy and Emmie.
Cultural Impact of the Name Emma
The name Emma has permeated popular culture, appearing in numerous books, movies, TV shows, and songs. Its widespread use contributes to its enduring popularity and familiarity.
Numerology of the Name Emma
Some people are interested in the numerological significance of names. In numerology, the numerological significance of a name is derived from assigning numerical values to the letters of the alphabet and then calculating the sum of these values. Each letter corresponds to a specific number according to a numerological chart.
Here's how you can calculate the numerological significance of the name Emma:
- E – 5
- M – 4
- M – 4
- A – 1
Adding these numbers together:
5 (E) + 4 (M) + 4 (M) + 1 (A) = 14
Then, if needed, you can further reduce the sum to a single-digit number, which is a common practice in numerology:
1 + 4 = 5
So, the numerological significance of the name Emma is 5.
In numerology, the number 5 is often associated with freedom, versatility, adaptability, and curiosity. People associated with the number 5 tend to be adventurous, and dynamic, and enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences. They may also have a strong desire for independence and change.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©aleksejplatonov/ via Getty Images.