Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gemma

Gemma is an Italian nickname meaning ‘gem, jewel’ that dates back to the Middle Ages. Two of the most famous name bearers include Gemma di Manetto Donati, wife of 13th century Italian poet Dante Alighieri (author of the Divine Comedy which includes Dante’s Inferno). The second is the late 19th century Italian saint Gemma Galgani who was the focus of many astonishing signs of grace such as the repeated appearance of stigmata and several fits of ecstasies. Most likely, however, English-speakers have adopted the name Gemma due to its pleasant and straightforward etymology: “gem, jewel”. The name has been most popular in England and Scotland since the 1980s and is currently showing success in Australia. The United States only very recently discovered this “gem” of a name. Jemma is another variation.

All About the Baby Name – Gemma

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME GEMMA

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME GEMMA

Gemma is a very new entrant onto the U.S. female naming charts. The name only first appeared in 2008. We’re not sure what has influenced the sudden interest in this name. Perhaps it has something to do with the TV program “Sons of Anarchy” which features a cunning and duplicitous character named Gemma Teller Morrow (first aired in September 2008). Whatever the sudden attraction to this name, Gemma seems to be on her way up the charts. Because Gemma has mainly been used in the United Kingdom it seems to have a certain reserved British flavor. It’s both cute and snobby sounding at the same time. Just like any jewel, Gemma suggests a certain tough beauty – like a diamond in the rough or the pearl that’s irritated over time into existence. It’s a lovely name in its simplicity and a fitting moniker for your own little ‘precious gem’.

Quick Facts

ON GEMMA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

316

PRONUNCIATION:

JEM-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Gem, jewel, precious stone

Characteristics

OF GEMMA

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gemma

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GEMMA

Felicity Worthington is one of the main characters in Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle Trilogy, written between 2003 and 2007, and depicting the Gothic adventures of a young girl at an English boarding school in 1895, along with her three friends, including Felicity. Felicity becomes Gemma’s friend after Gemma witnesses her in a compromising activity with Ithal, and Gemma promises not to tell. Felicity is a full-figured, sensuous, pale blond who is rather resentful of Gemma for her higher occult powers. She is also a complex young girl, who copes with a disturbing past and strives to be in control and powerful. At the same time, she is a loyal friend, especially to Gemma, and struggles with feelings of guilt and abandonment. Witty and sarcastic, Felicity is a force to be reckoned with, as she boldly seizes and devours the fruit of life, forbidden or not – she is a rebellious young woman who would be more at home in a later century than the nineteenth.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GEMMA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gemma


Popular Songs

ON GEMMA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Gemma


Famous People

NAMED GEMMA

Gemma Ward (Australian model)
Gemma Arterton (English actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GEMMA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Gemma

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GEMMA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Gemma