In Japanese, Ema most commonly means 'painted flax' or 'picture hemp', though the meaning changes based on the specific kanji characters used.

How do you pronounce Ema?

It is pronounced as 'Eh-mah', with a short 'e' sound similar to 'egg' and a soft 'ma' as in 'mama'.

Is Ema a boy or girl name?

Ema is almost exclusively used as a feminine name in Japan.

Is Ema related to the shrine tablets?

While phonetically identical to 'ema' (votive tablets), the name uses different kanji and carries its own distinct meanings when used for people.

Ema絵麻

/EH-mah/

JapaneseGirl

Ema is a Japanese girl's name pronounced /EH-mah/. A beautiful name often representing a combination of flax and painting or favor.

Meaning of Ema

A beautiful name often representing a combination of flax and painting or favor.

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.

Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: /EH-mah/

Cultural background

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.

Variations & nicknames

Emma
Ema-chan
絵麻
恵麻
依麻
咲麻

Famous people named Ema

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

Ema Kogure
Voice actress known for roles in various anime series.
Film · 2000s–present
Ema Fujisawa
Fashion model and actress who starred in the drama 'Tenka'.
Film · 2001–present
Ema Yasuhara
A central character in the popular anime 'Shirobako'.
Film · 2014–present

Frequently asked about Ema

What does Ema mean?: In Japanese, Ema most commonly means 'painted flax' or 'picture hemp', though the meaning changes based on the specific kanji characters used.
How do you pronounce Ema?: It is pronounced as 'Eh-mah', with a short 'e' sound similar to 'egg' and a soft 'ma' as in 'mama'.
Is Ema a boy or girl name?: Ema is almost exclusively used as a feminine name in Japan.
Is Ema related to the shrine tablets?: While phonetically identical to 'ema' (votive tablets), the name uses different kanji and carries its own distinct meanings when used for people.

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