Jemma

Meaning & origin

Jemma is a name of debated origin but strong modern appeal. Most commonly seen as a variant of Gemma, from the Latin gemma meaning "gem" or "jewel," it also shares sounds with Jennifer and Jemima. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1915 but remained rare until the late 20th century. Its peak year was 2018, when it ranked notably higher. Since then, usage has been falling, dropping from that peak through the 2020s. In 2025, Jemma ranked 862 and was given to roughly 1 in 5,135 baby girls. The name is most popular in Idaho, Arkansas, and Oregon. While less common than its sister spelling Gemma, Jemma offers a slightly more English-friendly phonetic spelling. It fits a style of short, vowel-friendly names and pairs naturally with sisters like Ella, Mia, and Lily, and brothers like Leo and Jack. Given its uncertain derivation, the name invites interpretation; parents may choose it for its jewel-like resonance or simply for its light, friendly sound.

Jemma is a modern spelling variant of Gemma, derived from the Latin word gemma, meaning "gem" or "jewel." The name Gemma became common in English-speaking countries after the Middle Ages, often linked to the Latin phrase gemma pretiosa (precious stone). Jemma may also have arisen as a pet form of Jennifer, extending the "Jem-" sound found in names like Jemima. The name gained modest popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.