Currently pregnant, been throwing names around with my parents and they suggested the name [name_f]Emma[/name_f]. We are Japanese, and they like [name_f]Emma[/name_f] because in our language, the kanji means “art/picture/drawing” and “horse” (an [name_f]Ema[/name_f] is a name for a small wooden plaque used to write wishes in the Japanese religion, usually has a drawing of a horse on it because horses are said to carry wishes to the Gods) The reason they suggested it is because I am an artist and also have a hobby of riding horses.
I really like this idea and the meaning/connection behind it, but I am not sure if I am really loving the name itself, [name_f]Emma[/name_f]. It is a simple yet beautiful name, but I wouldn’t have even considered it unless my parents suggested it. Without the Japanese meaning connection, I don’t think I would gravitate towards the name at all, one because it is incredibly popular, and two, because I like names that are a little more “spunky” or interesting.
I am not so pumped about the name, but at the same time I feel like it is kind of a waste to let it go.
Thoughts? Any comments are welcomed and appreciated! [name_m]Can[/name_m] someone talk me into it or out of it? Thank you!
I really like [name_f]Emma[/name_f]; it’s understated and pretty with a long history. it also sounds like it has meaning for you! However, if you don’t love it, my opinion doesn’t matter!
I think [name_f]Emma[/name_f]’s a great name. I love the connection to your culture, your art, and your hobby. And it’s really sweet of your parents to take this into account.
I think it would be really special in the middle spot, allowing you to maintain all of those wonderful connections while still letting you use one of your spunkier choices as the first name!
I don’t like super popular names either, so I can understand your dilemma!
It seems like a name that’s connected to your Japanese culture is really important to you! I think that’s the direction you should focus your search and, hopefully, there will be another name that is meaningful, spunky, and less common so you can get that “pumped” and excited feeling over the name
It’s not love, clearly, so I’d keep looking. You and your child deserve you to have that spark of love and excitement for the name you choose.
Would you be open to [name_f]Emma[/name_f]/Ema in the middle slot, as a nod to all of those serendipitous connections? I do like the name [name_f]Emma[/name_f] (it’s my name, and it’s served me well) but I agree that it’s not the most exciting or original choice, especially if your taste leans more towards quirky, unexpected names.
Another idea: an [name_f]Emma[/name_f]/Ema soundalike or variant, like [name_f]Emiko[/name_f] or [name_f]Emi[/name_f]? I’m by no means an expert on Japanese names, so apologies if these sound totally outdated or have a completely different etymology!
Thank you for your input! It’s nice to hear comments on the name from another [name_f]Emma[/name_f] The name definitely has a charm to it that I do like, I have considered it for a middle but still not sure about that either. Unfortunately [name_f]Emiko[/name_f]/Emi would lose the same meaning completely, and I like it much less than [name_f]Emma[/name_f] lol. I am also searching for a non Japanese name.
I will keep all that you have said in mind, thank you so much!
I absolutely adore the name [name_f]Emma[/name_f]! It feels sleek and classy to me! A true classic! However, it doesn’t seem like you have the same passion for it, so I would look for something else, but still leave [name_f]Emma[/name_f] on the list as a contender.
Personally, I love [name_f]Emma[/name_f] but if you don’t you should probably keep looking. I think the connections and meaning are really lovely though so you could always consider it for a middle name.
Emma is a little plain in my opinion, and it seems like you’re not completely in love with it. Personally, I think it would be coolest to give your child a native Japanese name.
How do you feel about other em options?
I’m not that pumped about [name_f]Emma[/name_f] either. I don’t find it very inspiring myself.
How about
[name_f]Emmy[/name_f]
[name_f]Emmaline[/name_f]
[name_f]Emily[/name_f]
[name_f]Emilia[/name_f]
Emilana
[name_u]Ember[/name_u] ? I feel these options are more upbeat.
The name definitely has a charm to it that I do like, I have considered it for a middle but still not sure about that either. Unfortunately [name_f]Emiko[/name_f]/Emi would lose the same meaning completely, and I like it much less than [name_f]Emma[/name_f] lol. I am also searching for a non Japanese name.
