Gemma
Gemma is a girls' name of Italian origin meaning “precious gem or jewel.” It ranked #170 in the United States in 2025. A medieval Italian name derived from the Latin gemma (jewel, bud).
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how do you pronounce Gemma?
JEM-ah
where does the name Gemma come from?
From the Latin gemma, meaning jewel or bud — the same word is used with an identical meaning in Italian, where Gemma is a native given name rather than only a borrowing.
Dante Alighieri's wife was named Gemma Donati. The name is popular in Italy and the UK and has risen sharply in the U.S. in recent years.
how popular is this name?
Gemma has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 18 years since 2008. It peaked at #170 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #170 |
| 2024 | #203 |
| 2023 | #176 |
| 2022 | #197 |
| 2021 | #190 |
| 2020 | #208 |
| 2019 | #198 |
| 2018 | #227 |
| 2017 | #255 |
| 2016 | #247 |
| 2010 | #450 |
| 2008 | #886 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Gemma fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Gemma
Gemma was among the most popular names in England and Scotland during the 1980s. The spelling Jemma has become associated with the name James, apart from the jewel-derived Gemma.
who are famous people named Gemma?
- Gemma Arterton (actress)
- Gemma Chan (actress)
- Gemma Ward (model)
what are the nicknames and variants of Gemma?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Gemma?
what names go well with Gemma?
Sibling names that share Gemma's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Gemma
What does the name Gemma mean?
Gemma means “precious gem or jewel”.
What is the origin of the name Gemma?
Gemma comes from the Italian naming tradition. Related forms include Jemma and Gema.
How popular is the name Gemma?
Gemma ranked #170 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Gemma a boy or girl name?
Gemma is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Gemma?
Gemma is pronounced JEM-ah, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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