"gem, precious jewel"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
Gema
Does Gema flow with your last name?
A gem of a name — precious and pure
Spanish
Italian
Latin American
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
Traditional
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"bud, young shoot"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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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.
Historical Record
Gema first appeared in US Social Security records in 1959.
Over 2,823 babies have been named Gema in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gema is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,730 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,730
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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Compare Gema with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gema
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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.
What girl names are similar to Gema?
Are there other spellings for Gema?
Related spellings include Gemma.
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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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