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Gema

Girl Name #1,730 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A gem of a name — precious and pure

Spanish Italian Latin American
Elegant Classic Sophisticated Traditional Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"gem, precious jewel"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
"bud, young shoot"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin

The Story of Gema

Gema is the Spanish form of Gemma, derived from the Latin gemma meaning gem, bud, or jewel. It was popularized through Saint Gemma Galgani (1878-1903), an Italian mystic and stigmatic who was canonized in 1940. The Spanish spelling Gema drops one m, making it a distinctly Hispanic variant of this beautiful name.

Gema has been a consistently popular name in Spain and Latin America, particularly among Catholic families who revere Saint Gemma Galgani. In Spain, it remains a recognizable classic that hasn't dated as badly as other mid-century names.

Saint Gemma Galgani is the patron saint of students, pharmacists, and those with back problems. Her life of mystical experiences and stigmata has made her one of the most popular modern saints in Italy and Spain. The name carries gentle devout associations throughout the Catholic world.

Fun Facts

  • Saint Gemma Galgani became a saint just 37 years after her death, unusually fast for canonization
  • The word gemma in Latin also means bud, suggesting new life and growth

Gema in Other Languages

Latin Gemma
Catalan Gemma
Italian Gemma
Spanish Gema
Portuguese Gema

Famous People Named Gema

G

Gemma Arterton

Actor

1986

British actress known for Quantum of Solace and Clash of the Titans (variant spelling)

S

Saint Gemma Galgani

Religious

1878

Italian mystic and stigmatic canonized in 1940, patron saint of students

G

Gema (singer)

Musician

Spanish singer popular in the 1980s and 1990s

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,730
Total SSA Count
117
Cultural Origins
Spanish Italian Latin American
Pronunciation
Moderate
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Pairs Well With

Gema Isabel Gema Sofia Gema Elena Gema Lucia Gema Rosa Gema Carmen

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gema

What does the name Gema mean?
"gem, precious jewel" (from Latin). "bud, young shoot" (from Latin). Gema is the Spanish form of Gemma, derived from the Latin gemma meaning gem, bud, or jewel. It was popularized through Saint Gemma Galgani (1878-1903), an Italian mystic and stigmatic who was canonized in 1940. The Spanish spelling Gema drops one m, making it a distinctly Hispanic variant of this beautiful name.
What is the origin of the name Gema?
Gema has Latin, Spanish, Italian, and Latin American origins. In Latin, it means "gem, precious jewel". In Latin, it means "bud, young shoot".
Is Gema a boy or girl name?
Gema is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Gema?
Gema is currently ranked #1730 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Gema?
Popular middle name pairings include Gema Isabel, Gema Sofia, Gema Elena, Gema Lucia, Gema Rosa, and Gema Carmen.
What are good sibling names for Gema?
Names that pair well with Gema as siblings include Pablo, Lucia, Rafael, Elena, Diego, and Valeria.
How many syllables does Gema have?
Gema has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gema a common or rare name?
Gema is an uncommon name, ranked #1730 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Gema

Gema is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, and Latin American origins . The name means "gem, precious jewel" in Latin .

Gema is currently ranked #1,730 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Gema has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Alternative spellings of Gema include Gemma . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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