"gem, precious stone"
Origin: Latin/Italian
Language: English
Gemma
Pronunciation: [ j-EHM-uh ]
Does Gemma flow with your last name?
Dante's wife's name — an Italian jewel, timeless and radiant
English
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Scottish
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Meaning & Origin
"jewel, bud"
Origin: Latin
Language: Italian
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The Story of Gemma
Gemma derives from the Italian and Latin 'gemma,' meaning gem, jewel, or precious stone — and also the bud of a plant in Latin, giving it a dual natural beauty. The name has been used in Italy since the medieval period. Most remarkably, the great Florentine poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) — author of The Divine Comedy — married a woman named Gemma Donati, connecting the name to the highest peak of Italian literary culture.
Gemma has been consistently popular in the UK and Ireland, particularly peaking in the 1980s-90s. It began gaining traction in the US in the 2010s as British names became fashionable, and received a particular boost from Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014), where Katey Sagal's character Gemma Teller Morrow was one of TV's most compelling maternal antiheroes.
Saint Gemma Galgani (1878-1903) was an Italian mystic who reportedly received the stigmata and was one of the most extensively documented mystics of the modern era, canonized in 1940. The name connects Italian Catholic tradition with literary greatness — Dante himself married a Gemma — making it a name of remarkable cultural depth.
Historical Record
Gemma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 23,452 babies have been named Gemma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gemma is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #203 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dante Alighieri, author of The Divine Comedy (widely considered the greatest poem in any language), married a woman named Gemma Donati
- Saint Gemma Galgani (1878-1903) is one of the most extensively documented stigmatics in history, with numerous witnesses
- In Latin, 'gemma' meant both a precious stone AND a plant bud — a name containing two different forms of natural beauty
Gemma in Other Languages
Latin
Gemma
French
Gemme
Italian
Gemma
Spanish
Gema
Portuguese
Gema
Popularity Over Time
#203
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Gemma
G
Gemma Arterton
Actor
1986
British actress known for Quantum of Solace, Prince of Persia, and Tamara Drewe
G
Gemma Chan
Actor
1982
British actress known for Crazy Rich Asians, Eternals, and the TV series Humans
G
Gemma Teller Morrow Fictional
Other
The fierce, calculating matriarch of SAMCRO in Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014), played by Katey Sagal
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Compare Gemma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #203
- Total SSA Count
- 1,514
- Cultural Origins
- English Italian Scottish Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Gem
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, smooth 2-1 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gemma
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gemma
What does the name Gemma mean?
"gem, precious stone" (from Latin/Italian). "jewel, bud" (from Latin). Gemma derives from the Italian and Latin 'gemma,' meaning gem, jewel, or precious stone — and also the bud of a plant in Latin, giving it a dual natural beauty. The name has been used in Italy since the medieval period. Most remarkably, the great Florentine poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) — author of The Divine Comedy — married a woman named Gemma Donati, connecting the name to the highest peak of Italian literary culture.
What is the origin of the name Gemma?
Gemma has Latin/Italian, Latin, English, Italian, Scottish, and Irish origins. In Latin/Italian, it means "gem, precious stone". In Latin, it means "jewel, bud".
Is Gemma a boy or girl name?
Gemma is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Gemma?
Gemma is pronounced j-EHM-uh.
How popular is the name Gemma?
Gemma is currently ranked #203 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Gemma?
Common nicknames for Gemma include Gem.
What are good middle names for Gemma?
Popular middle name pairings include Gemma Rose, Gemma Jane, Gemma Louise, Gemma Claire, Gemma Elise, and Gemma Kate.
What are good sibling names for Gemma?
Names that pair well with Gemma as siblings include Violet, Cleo, Flora, Oscar, Henry, and Jasper.
How many syllables does Gemma have?
Gemma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gemma a common or rare name?
Gemma is a popular name, ranked #203 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Gemma
Gemma is a girl name with English, Italian, Scottish, and Irish origins . The name means "gem, precious stone" in Latin/Italian .
Gemma is currently ranked #203 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Gemma has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-EHM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Gemma include Gem. 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