Jemma

♀ Girl

Pronounced JEM-uh /ˈdʒɛm.ə/High

Meaning: Variant of Gemma, from the Italian and Latin gemma meaning 'precious stone' or 'gemstone'; also used as a variant of Jemima, from Hebrew Yemimah meaning 'dove'High

In 30 seconds: Jemma is a warm English variant of Gemma, meaning precious stone, with a jewel-bright quality. It may also link to the Hebrew Jemima (dove). Simple, sweet, and enduringly popular in Britain.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighEnglish, Hebrew

MeaningVariant of Gemma, from the Italian and Latin gemma meaning 'precious stone' or 'gemstone'; also used as a variant of Jemima, from Hebrew Yemimah meaning 'dove'

U.S. rank (2025)#866 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births313 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,998

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jemma is an English spelling variant of Gemma, from the Italian and Latin gemma (precious stone, gemstone, bud). It is also potentially related to Jemima, from Hebrew Yemimah, meaning 'dove' — one of Job's three daughters in the Hebrew Bible (Job 42:14). The gemstone meaning is more commonly cited in English usage.

Jemma has been particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where both Gemma and Jemma have been used since the 1980s and 1990s. Actress Jemma Redgrave and other British cultural figures have kept the name visible. In the United States it is less common than Gemma but used among families who prefer the J- initial. It carries a fresh, polished quality.

Did you know? Saint Gemma Galgani (1878–1903), an Italian mystic who reportedly experienced the stigmata — wounds corresponding to those of Christ — is one of the youngest canonized saints, giving the Gemma/Jemma name a powerful spiritual heritage.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Gemma/Jemma — Latin etymology and variant spelling notesU.S. Social Security Administration — Jemma frequency data

Variations

GemmaJemimaJema

Nicknames

Jem

Famous Bearers

★Jemma Redgrave (1965–present)
British actress known for her television and film roles, including Doctor Who, and a member of the Redgrave acting dynasty.

If you like Jemma…

Gemma— the standard Latin spelling of the same name

Petra— shares the gemstone/rock-based meaning (Greek petra = rock)

Jemima— the possible Hebrew root name meaning dove

Pearl— fellow jewel/natural-treasure name for girls with a vintage quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jemma mean?

Jemma means precious stone or gemstone, as a variant of the Latin Gemma; it may also connect to the Hebrew Jemima (dove).

How do you pronounce Jemma?

It is said JEM-uh, with two syllables.

Is Jemma the same as Gemma?

Jemma is an English J- spelling variant of Gemma; both share the same Latin root and meaning.

Is Jemma a popular name?

Jemma is popular in the UK and used in the U.S., though Gemma is more common in American name data.