Gemma

“gemma - 'gem' or 'jewel'”

Italy origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#177US 2023

1.7kBirths / yr

↑Rising

17.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 190400.09% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gemma

JEM·uh

/ˈdʒɛm.ə/ · stress on JEM · 2 syllables

“gemma - 'gem' or 'jewel'”

Italy origin · Girl name

What does Gemma mean and where does it come from?

Gemma is an Italian name that literally translates to 'gem' or 'jewel', symbolizing preciousness and beauty. The name has been recorded since the Middle Ages and was popularized in various regions of Italy. Its use increased in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the

Cultural significance

Gemma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gemma - 'gem' or 'jewel'.

Peak popularity

Reached #198 in 2019 — currently #177 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Gemma?

Gemma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gemma Grace

How popular is Gemma right now?

Rising — up 20 spots — currently #177 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#177 · Top 0.13%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#177	1,653	▲ up 20 · +10% births
2022	#197	1,509	▼ down 7 · -3% births
2021	#190	1,553	▲ up 17 · +13% births
2020	#207	1,376	▲ up 62 · +18% births
2015	#269	1,171	▲ up 182 · +72% births
2010	#451	682	▲ up 703 · +239% births
2005	#1154	201	▲ up 497 · +88% births
2000	#1651	107	▼ down 85 · +10% births
1995	#1566	97	▲ up 538 · +56% births
1990	#2104	62	▲ up 340 · +55% births
1985	#2444	40	▼ down 247 · -13% births
1980	#2197	46	▲ up 796 · +92% births
1975	#2993	24	▼ down 272 · -8% births
1970	#2721	26	▼ down 915 · -35% births
1965	#1806	40	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gemma

Best Year2023Rank #177

Peak Count1,653

Average Rank#1586

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 202326 years

The story of Gemma

Gemma entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. A total of 17,950 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2320 in 1910 to #177 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gemma in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Gemma by decade

Gemma peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	36
1910s	190
1920s	213
1930s	138
1940s	198
1950s	313
1960s	299
1970s	274
1980s	433
1990s	830
2000s	2,222
2010s ★	11,428
2020s	1,376

What are good nicknames for Gemma?

Common

GemGe

What names sound and feel like Gemma?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gemma also consider these

Emma

Germanic · German

Gema

Spain · gem, precious stone

Gemia

Italy · Italian

Lemma

English · Derived from Greek

American · A combination of

How is Gemma written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Gemma

What does the name Gemma mean?

Gemma means "gemma - 'gem' or 'jewel'" — a name rooted in Italy tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Gemma?

Gemma is currently ranked #177 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gemma have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Gemma?

Gemma originates from Italy tradition. Italy names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Gemma?

Gemma is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gemma trending right now?

Gemma is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.