What do you think of think of the following? Classic or not?

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Emma?

I have been reading previous posts and the comments range from 'dated' to 'classic'. There were quite a few Emmas in my school so I don't see it as new and fresh but I really like it and think it stands the test of time which is what we want. What do you think?

I really like it.

Try reading the Jane Austen novel? It has definitely stood the test of time.

It's a nice name but there are an awful lot of Emmas around.

It's nice enough, but a bit over used and a tiny bit dull.

I don't happen to like it, but I agree it is a classic. It's been used across so many generations, it can't really date. Similar to eg Alice, Catherine, Elizabeth (which I do like).

She might still be one of several "Emmies" at school though if that becomes her nn.

It's OK

Emma, nice simple and easy to live with and not many little ones.

I know grown ups and a teenaged Emma, but no small ones.

I like it!

Classic. Simple, pretty, international and not many around these days. Like.

I like it a lot, especially if she is likely to be, 'Handsome, clever and rich!' :)

Knew the most fabulous Emma, she was gracious, well liked, smart and bubbly - that's what I associate the name with, all good :-)

I love it. Dd would be Emma after my fave novel had my parents not beaten me to it and named dsis Emma.

As a nn for Emmeline, as in Pankhurst, love it. As a name on it's own, it's fine.

It does feel dated to me. But nice.

It's not a matter of opinion -- Emma is a classic!

My DD has one of the most classic names possible, but there are a LOT of little girls with the same name. But my thinking was, if you pick a true classic like Elizabeth, Catherine, Emma -- you just aren't going to be the only one.

ALL of the above! So if you love it use it. If you're not sure, add it to your shortlist, but wait til D day, then you'll 'know' ;-)

I LOVE Emma, and that was what we would have chosen if we'd have had a daughter. It is classic and definitely not over-used.... Check out the 2012 top names www.bounty.com/baby-names/top-100-baby-names-2012

Always makes me smile when people comment on names being "safe" or "over-used"...so many attempts to be unusual or quirky these days. Not completely convinced they will thank their parents in the future :)

There's masses of middle ground though, between 'safe'/'over-used' and 'unusua'/'quirky'. Heaps and heaps of middle ground there, and I tend to think that is the point most people make when they say that.

I actually do really like the name Emma, but I wouldn't choose the name Anna, for example, as to me that name is just too bland and safe (no offence intended to any Annas, it's just my personal opinion of the name).

However, my taste definitely does not run to 'unique' and 'individually quirky', either!

There are absolutely loads of names which are known, established, traditional - but are not massively common and used. And given that names are a personal identifier, it's understandable that people might go for something in that more middle-ground area, so that they won't inevitably end up sharing with others in their class/workplace.

Classic and lovely!

Names are cyclical though - and even ancient, traditional names (or at least some) do go in and out of style. I don't think that can be denied.

As such, they do tend to get associated with certain eras.

I know a couple of children called Emma, but it's not overused. DH really likes it, I just always think of the main character in the Jane Austin book, and she always struck me as I bet I'd find her really irritating in real life... (Whereas the Rebecca from the book of the name, always made me think that actually she sounded great to go for a couple of drinks with)