Ema vs Nanami

Ema is a Japanese girl's name meaning A beautiful name often representing a combination of flax and painting or favor, while Nanami is a Japanese girl's name meaning An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas. Ema is the shorter of the two at 2 syllables.

Ema絵麻

/EH-mah/

Meaning
A beautiful name often representing a combination of flax and painting or favor.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
3
Nicknames
Emma, Ema-chan, 絵麻, 恵麻, 依麻, 咲麻
Loved
0 times

The name Ema is commonly formed using the kanji 'E' (絵, meaning picture or painting) and 'Ma' (麻, meaning flax or hemp). Alternatively, it can be written with characters representing 'favor' or 'blessing', often reflecting a parent's wish for an artistic or naturally grounded life.

Full Ema name page

Nanami七海

/NA-na-mee/

Meaning
An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
七海, 七美, 菜々美, ななみ, Nana, Nanamin
Loved
0 times

Nanami is a Japanese name most commonly formed by the characters 'nana' (seven) and 'mi' (sea or ocean). While this is the most frequent etymology, the 'mi' suffix can also be written with characters for beauty, fruit, or truth, reflecting a desire for abundance and grace.

Full Nanami name page

How to choose between Ema and Nanami

  • Sound: Ema runs to 2 syllables (/EH-mah/) and Nanami to 3 (/NA-na-mee/). Ema pairs more easily with a longer surname.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Japanese background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Ema shortens to Emma, Ema-chan, 絵麻. Nanami shortens to 七海, 七美, 菜々美.
  • Usage today: Ema is a popular contemporary name in Japan due to its easy pronunciation in Western languages and its phonetic similarity to the traditional wooden votive tablets found at Shinto shrines. The name is a popular choice for girls in modern Japan, often evoking a sense of vastness and natural beauty. It rose significantly in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Ema vs Nanami: common questions

Is Ema or Nanami easier to pronounce?
Ema is said /EH-mah/ with 2 syllables, while Nanami is said /NA-na-mee/ with 3 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Ema and Nanami?
Ema means A beautiful name often representing a combination of flax and painting or favor. Nanami means An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas.
Which is more popular, Ema or Nanami?
Ema and Nanami are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).