Gemma
Gemma is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Precious stone, gem, or jewel.
Origin and history
Gemma is an Italian name derived from the Latin word for a precious stone or gem. Historically associated with Saint Gemma Galgani, it long enjoyed popularity in Italy and Europe before gaining significant traction in the United States. In recent years, its usage in the U.S. has climbed steadily, making it a popular contemporary choice.
Popularity in the United States
26,042 babies in the United States have been named Gemma since 1880. It ranks #897 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #191.
States where it is most popular
- CA (14.5 %)
- TX (8.4 %)
- NY (7.9 %)
- PA (5.6 %)
- FL (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 36 |
| 1910-1920 | 190 |
| 1920-1930 | 213 |
| 1930-1940 | 138 |
| 1940-1950 | 198 |
| 1950-1960 | 313 |
| 1960-1970 | 300 |
| 1970-1980 | 274 |
| 1980-1990 | 432 |
| 1990-2000 | 830 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,223 |
| 2010-2019 | 11,467 |
| 2020-2029 | 9,428 |
Famous people named Gemma
- Gemma Chan: Actress
- Gemma Arterton: Actress
Nicknames
Gem, Gemmie
Fun facts
- It originated as a medieval Italian nickname before becoming an established given name, famously borne by Dante Alighieri's wife, Gemma Donati.
- While historically rare in the United States, Gemma has surged into the top 200 female names in the 2020s.