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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cem

Cem

♂ Boy

Pronounced JEM /ˈdʒɛm/Medium

Meaning: Cem is a Turkish name (pronounced 'Jem'), from the Persian Jamshid, a legendary king of Iranian myth; it is also linked to a word for 'gathering; assembly.' A short, warm Turkish classic, we note it respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A short Turkish name: Cem (said 'JEM') comes from the Persian Jamshid, a legendary king. Warm and classic.
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Origin MediumTurkish
MeaningCem is a Turkish name (pronounced 'Jem'), from the Persian Jamshid, a legendary king of Iranian myth; it is also linked to a word for 'gathering; assembly.' A short, warm Turkish classic, we note it respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#12612 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)≈ 108

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200519822024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cem is a Turkish name, pronounced 'Jem,' from the Persian Jamshid, a legendary king of myth, and linked to 'gathering; assembly.' A short, well-loved Turkish classic, it is rare in the U.S. A single warm beat (said 'JEM').

It is rare for boys in the U.S. and common in Turkey. Rare here, Turkish, and warm.

Did you know? Cem, said 'Jem,' is a beloved Turkish name drawn from the Persian Jamshid — a legendary Iranian king — and tied to a word for 'gathering.' Compact and warm, we note it respectfully (said 'JEM').
Overall data confidence 52%
References — Cem — Turkish, from Persian Jamshid; 'gathering; assembly'

Variations

DjemJem

Nicknames

CemoJ

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cem…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cem mean?

Cem is a Turkish name from the Persian Jamshid, a legendary king, and tied to a word for 'gathering; assembly.'

How do you pronounce Cem?

It's said JEM /ˈdʒɛm/ — one syllable (the Turkish c sounds like English j).

Is Cem a boy or girl name?

Here Cem is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Cem?

Cem is rare for boys in the U.S. and common in Turkey.

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