Ema

Origin

Ema is a name with multiple origins. In European contexts, it is a variation of Emma, deriving from Germanic roots meaning 'whole' or 'universal'. It appears in biblical texts as a variant of Emma or in early Christian contexts. In Māori, 'Ema' means 'daughter' or 'young woman' and is used as a feminine given name among Māori communities. There is no direct Aboriginal Australian origin for the name, but it may be adopted in multicultural Australian contexts.

Meaning

In Australian English, 'Ema' often signifies 'complete' or 'whole' owing to its root in Emma. In Māori, it connotes youth, femininity, and the importance of lineage as 'daughter'. It embodies themes of wholeness and femininity in cultural interpretations.

Pronunciation

/ˈiːmə/ (EE-muh) with emphasis on the first syllable, standard Australian pronunciation. , accent on the first syllable, with a long 'ee' sound as in 'see'.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 20 July (Feast of Saint Emma)
• 5 June (Māori Language Week celebration highlighting Māori names and culture)
• 20 September (International Day of the Girl Child, celebrating young women)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with ema:

• Charlotte and Ema
• Olivia and Ema (double_names)
• Sophie and Ema (sibling names)

Fun Facts

• Ema is a popular name for racing greyhounds in Australia.
• The surname Ema appears in some Australian historical records relating to early settler families.
• In Māori, 'Ema' is a common feminine given name, signifying a young woman or daughter.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name ema:

• kind-hearted
• creative
• youthful
• warm-hearted

Aesthetic Qualities

The name is visually simple and elegant, with a soft, flowing appearance in written form, fitting well with Australian aesthetic sensibilities for minimalist and meliorative naming.

Geographical Distribution

More common in New South Wales and Victoria, especially within multicultural and Māori communities. Less prevalent in rural and Aboriginal Australian communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with creativity, communication, and joy; suggests a personality that is expressive and optimistic.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the zodiac signs Leo and Sagittarius, indicating confidence, enthusiasm, and adventure, fitting the youthful energies associated with the name.

Historical Context

Famous Australian figures with the name include Ema Saiko, a notable artist, and Ema Kilia, a Māori-Australian community leader. The name appears in Australian literature as a character in contemporary novels. It is also associated with the popular sport of horse racing in Australia with greyhounds named Ema.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name 'Ema' adapts well across languages, with variants in Italian, Spanish, and Japanese (e.g., 'Ema' in Italian and Japanese, 'Ema' in Spanish). The pronunciation remains similar in most languages.

Famous People Named ema

• Ema Kilia (Community Leader)
• Ema Saiko (Artist)
• Ema (fictional character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia