Jemma

Girl Name #758 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A jewel of a name, sparkling in both English and Italian

English Italian Australian American

Elegant Vintage Charming Classic

Meaning & Origin

"gem, jewel"

Origin: Italian

Language: English

"precious stone"

Origin: Latin

Language: Italian

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.

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

Famous People Named Jemma

Gemma Arterton

Actor

1986

British actress known for Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, and stage performances in London's West End

Jemma Redgrave

Actor

1965

British actress from the famous Redgrave acting dynasty, known for British television and stage work

Jemma Simmons Fictional

Other

Character from Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., a brilliant biochemist played by Elizabeth Henstridge

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

Pairs Well With

Jemma Rose Jemma Grace Jemma Louise Jemma Kate Jemma Pearl Jemma Marie Jemma Claire

Sibling Names

Elsie Harriet Archie Bertie Flora Ned Ivy

Similar Names

Emma Ella Jennie Alma Emily Irma Jenny Emmie

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.