Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Gemma
GirlItalian, Latin· “gem, precious stone”
- Meaning
- gem, precious stone
- Origin
- Italian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- JEH-muh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #170
- US babies 2025
- 1,805
- Best rank
- #170 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Gemma
Gemma is an Italian and Latin name that means “gem, precious stone”.
Gemma is the Italian word for gem or precious stone, from the Latin gemma, which originally meant a bud. It was used as a nickname in medieval Italy, and Dante Alighieri's wife was Gemma Donati. Saint Gemma Galgani, an Italian mystic canonized in the twentieth century, gave the name added devotion among Catholics. Gemma has long been popular in Britain and has gradually found favor in the United States. It is short, bright and sweet, with a clear meaning that suggests something treasured. Gem is an easy nickname.
Popularity over time
Gemma first appears in US Social Security records in 1904. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 18 different years, starting in 2008. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #170, and its highest count, 1,805 babies. Use has grown 54% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,484 in 1920, #1,437 in 1950, #2,201 in 1980, #1,654 in 2000, #451 in 2010, and #170 in 2025. Of the 26,042 US girls named Gemma since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 9,428 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Blair, Ailani, Vivienne, Alani, and Daphne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gemma ranked highest in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #85 | 31 |
| New York | #105 | 142 |
| Pennsylvania | #110 | 92 |
| New Jersey | #116 | 65 |
| Massachusetts | #117 | 45 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Gemma is usually pronounced JEH-muh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with G and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Gemma
A few middle names that flow with Gemma: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gemma
Similar names
Jemma Girl
JEM-uh
“gem” · Italian
#866
Lucia Girl
loo-SEE-uh
“light” · Latin
#83
Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
“bright, clear” · Italian
#1,066
Roma Girl
ROH-muh
“Rome (Italian)” · Italian
#1,496
Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Remi Girl
REM-ee
“oarsman” · French
#145
Celeste Girl
suh-LEHST
“heavenly” · Latin
#188
Remy Unisex
REH-mee
“oarsman” · French
#408
Francesca Girl
fran-CHEHS-kuh
“French, from France” · Italian
#307
Alma Girl
AHL-muh
“nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)” · Latin
#449
Lucy Girl
LOO-see
“light” · English
#25
Margaret Girl
MAHR-gur-iht
“pearl” · Greek
#112
Lists that include Gemma
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gemma mean?
Gemma is an Italian and Latin name that means “gem, precious stone”.
What is the origin of the name Gemma?
Gemma has Italian and Latin roots. Gemma is the Italian word for gem or precious stone, from the Latin gemma, which originally meant a bud.
Is Gemma a popular name?
Yes. Gemma ranked #170 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Gemma a boy or girl name?
Gemma is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Gemma?
Gemma is usually pronounced JEH-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings