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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Emma or Emily?

43 replies

1andbump · 01/02/2024 12:46

Help me decide please?
Emma or Emily?

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eatdrinkandbemerry · 02/02/2024 09:44

Emma by a mile

KirstenBlest · 02/02/2024 09:43

@Alloveragain3 , Amelie isn't gaining popularity. It peaked in 2013.

BoleynMemories13 · 02/02/2024 06:09

Emma is fabulous. Classic, sassy, suits all ages.

Emily is ok but I find it more bland in comparison. I have a personal preference for names ending in an a rather than y/ie. I just prefer the sound.

theduchessofspork · 01/02/2024 20:47

1andbump · 01/02/2024 14:34

I really like them both, I think Emma is lovely but I can't think of many middle names to go with it and as my other dd has a middle name I'd also like her to have one.

I like PP’s Emma Verity and Emma Felicity suggestions

Emma Vivienne
Emma Marianne

Emma Cecilia
Emma Antonia

Emma Charlotte
Emma Catherine

Emma Lucy
Emma Phoebe

I think it’s easy to match - just avoid May/Rose/Grace and their 80s/90s equivalents Louise and Jane

yikesanotherbooboo · 01/02/2024 20:47

They are both nice names but Emma feels a little more current without being 'fashionable' . It's a lovely choice

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 01/02/2024 20:44

Emma is lovely. Emily is cute, but it is very popular now.

If you're going for unusual, I think Emma is on the up - maybe Hannah or Susan instead?

theduchessofspork · 01/02/2024 20:40

Emma - great classic

Emily is nice though, so if it works better with your surname go for that

Onelife2024 · 01/02/2024 20:38

1andbump · 01/02/2024 14:34

I really like them both, I think Emma is lovely but I can't think of many middle names to go with it and as my other dd has a middle name I'd also like her to have one.

Emma Sofia
Emma Olivia
Emma Nicole
Emma Juliet
Emma Celeste
Emma Lucille
Emma Danielle
Emma Estelle

MaloneMeadow · 01/02/2024 19:12

1andbump · 01/02/2024 14:34

I really like them both, I think Emma is lovely but I can't think of many middle names to go with it and as my other dd has a middle name I'd also like her to have one.

The Emmas I know are Emma Rose and Emma Catherine.

How about:
Emma Beatrice
Emma Charlotte
Emma Isabel
Emma Maeve

It’s a gorgeous name OP, such a timeless classic.

Joolsin · 01/02/2024 18:01

Either, they're practically the same and both very overused.

NachosAndCheese · 01/02/2024 17:53

Emma.

And anything but Rose/May/Grace as a middle name.

PickledScrump · 01/02/2024 17:50

Both are very popular so if popularity is an issue I’d rethink entirely. Personally I sway more towards Emily, Emma is a bit dull, just sounds like a weird noise rather than a person’s name. Maybe wait and see which feels right when she’s here

LuckyCharmz · 01/02/2024 15:59

I prefer Emma.

OopsieeDaisy · 01/02/2024 15:19

Love Emily!
I grew up knowing a lot of both but don’t know any LOs with either name now. Emily is just prettier to me.

Vexxa · 01/02/2024 15:18

I prefer Emma. Emma Victoria?
Emily is nice too though.

NeverTrustASmilingCat · 01/02/2024 15:02

Emma, as that's my daughter's name, middle name Jean

phonedownplease · 01/02/2024 14:59

In my mind I see:

Emily - quiet, blonde innocent goody two shoes.

Emma - sassy, dark hair, outgoing, up for a laugh.

Doublebiscuit77 · 01/02/2024 14:48

I prefer Emily. I'm of the generation where there were many, many Emmas though. It's still quite nice i just know so many.

Alloveragain3 · 01/02/2024 14:45

You can't go wrong with either, both very pretty and classic.

I fancied something a bit more "floral" so my DD is Amelie.

However, about half of people I say it to think her name is Emily! As Amelie rises in popularity, Emilys might start having the opposite problem?

KirstenBlest · 01/02/2024 14:44

Middle names aren't compulsory and are hardly ever used.
Avoid Jane, Clare and Louise as these were the Rose/May/Grace of the 1970 and 1980s

Is there a name that you love but wouldn't use as a first name because it's too long/plain/don't like the diminutives?
e.g
Emma Verity, Emma Felicity, Emma Fern

Original poster
1andbump · 01/02/2024 14:34

I really like them both, I think Emma is lovely but I can't think of many middle names to go with it and as my other dd has a middle name I'd also like her to have one.

OP posts:
aintnospringchicken · 01/02/2024 14:33

Emma

WaltzingWaters · 01/02/2024 14:31

Much prefer Emma

TallulahBetty · 01/02/2024 14:31

freezingmytoesoff · 01/02/2024 13:56

I agree, I think it's so dull and dreary... and unfortunately it is my name 😂

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My condolences 😁

AppleCrumbleGrandma · 01/02/2024 14:29

Both great! Emma my choice 🌼