Gemma

Pronunciation: [ j-EHM-uh ]

Girl Name #203 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Dante's wife's name — an Italian jewel, timeless and radiant

English Italian Scottish Irish

Elegant Classic Vintage Sophisticated Literary

Meaning & Origin

"gem, precious stone"

Origin: Latin/Italian

Language: English

"jewel, bud"

Origin: Latin

Language: Italian

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.

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

Famous People Named Gemma

Gemma Arterton

Actor

1986

British actress known for Quantum of Solace, Prince of Persia, and Tamara Drewe

Gemma Chan

Actor

1982

British actress known for Crazy Rich Asians, Eternals, and the TV series Humans

Gemma Teller Morrow Fictional

Other

The fierce, calculating matriarch of SAMCRO in Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014), played by Katey Sagal

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

Pairs Well With

Gemma Rose Gemma Jane Gemma Louise Gemma Claire Gemma Elise Gemma Kate

Sibling Names

Violet Cleo Flora Oscar Henry Jasper

Similar Names

Ella Jennie Alma Emily Irma Jenny Emmie Emeline

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.