Emma is derived from the German "ermen," meaning "whole." This root word has also inspired names like Emmeline and Emily. It was the name of King Ethelred II's wife, Emma of Normandy, making the name common in England.
It has consistently rated as one of the most common names in the United States, Britain, France, Sweden, Canada, Australia and Spain over the past decade. Famous Emmas include actress Emma Watson and Jane Austen's title character in both book and film.