"gem, jewel"
Origin: Italian
Language: English
Jemma
Does Jemma flow with your last name?
A jewel of a name, sparkling in both English and Italian
English
Italian
Australian
American
Elegant
Vintage
Charming
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"precious stone"
Origin: Latin
Language: Italian
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The Story of Jemma
Jemma is an English spelling variant of Gemma, the Italian word for 'gem' or 'jewel.' Gemma has been in use as a given name in Italy since the medieval period — Gemma Donati was the wife of the poet Dante Alighieri. The Jemma spelling adds a distinctly English flair, with the J giving it a warmer sound. It can also be seen as a J-variant of Emma, making it appealing to parents who love Emma but want uniqueness.
Jemma has been particularly popular in the UK and Australia, where it entered the top 100 in the 1980s and remains well-used. In the US, both Gemma and Jemma have risen since the 2010s. The FX series 'Sons of Anarchy' (2008–2014) featured a character named Gemma, raising awareness of the name across both spellings.
The name has strong British and Italian cultural roots. In Italy, Gemma is associated with the blessed Gemma Galgani (1878–1903), a mystic and stigmatist who was canonized in 1940. In Britain, Jemma feels quintessentially English and has a period-drama quality beloved by Anglophile parents.
Historical Record
Jemma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 7,645 babies have been named Jemma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jemma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #758 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Gemma Donati was the wife of Dante Alighieri, the author of the Divine Comedy — making Gemma one of literature's most famous wives
- Gemma/Jemma has been in continuous use since at least the 13th century, one of the longest-running jewel names in European history
Jemma in Other Languages
French
Gemme
English
Jemma/Gemma
Italian
Gemma
Spanish
Gema
Popularity Over Time
#758
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jemma
G
Gemma Arterton
Actor
1986
British actress known for Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, and stage performances in London's West End
J
Jemma Redgrave
Actor
1965
British actress from the famous Redgrave acting dynasty, known for British television and stage work
J
Jemma Simmons Fictional
Other
Character from Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., a brilliant biochemist played by Elizabeth Henstridge
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Compare Jemma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #758
- Total SSA Count
- 371
- Cultural Origins
- English Italian Australian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Jem
Jemmy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jemma
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jemma
What does the name Jemma mean?
"gem, jewel" (from Italian). "precious stone" (from Latin). Jemma is an English spelling variant of Gemma, the Italian word for 'gem' or 'jewel.' Gemma has been in use as a given name in Italy since the medieval period — Gemma Donati was the wife of the poet Dante Alighieri. The Jemma spelling adds a distinctly English flair, with the J giving it a warmer sound. It can also be seen as a J-variant of Emma, making it appealing to parents who love Emma but want uniqueness.
What is the origin of the name Jemma?
Jemma has Italian, Latin, English, Australian, and American origins. In Italian, it means "gem, jewel". In Latin, it means "precious stone".
Is Jemma a boy or girl name?
Jemma is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Jemma?
Jemma is currently ranked #758 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jemma?
Common nicknames for Jemma include Jem and Jemmy.
What are good middle names for Jemma?
Popular middle name pairings include Jemma Rose, Jemma Grace, Jemma Louise, Jemma Kate, Jemma Pearl, Jemma Marie, and Jemma Claire.
What are good sibling names for Jemma?
Names that pair well with Jemma as siblings include Elsie, Harriet, Archie, Bertie, Flora, Ned, and Ivy.
How many syllables does Jemma have?
Jemma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jemma a common or rare name?
Jemma is moderately common, ranked #758 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Jemma
Jemma is a girl name with English, Italian, Australian, and American origins . The name means "gem, jewel" in Italian .
Jemma is currently ranked #758 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jemma has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jemma include Jem and Jemmy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis