Gem

♀ Girl

Pronounced JEM /ˈdʒɛm/High

Meaning: The English word gem, 'precious stone', from Latin gemma — used directly as a name and also as a short form of Gemma. A word-name, which we note honestly.Medium

In 30 seconds: Gem is the English word — a precious stone — used as a bright one-beat name, and short for Gemma (said 'JEM').

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Origin LowEnglish, Latin

MeaningThe English word gem, 'precious stone', from Latin gemma — used directly as a name and also as a short form of Gemma. A word-name, which we note honestly.

U.S. rank (2024)#14007 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 209

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Gem is the English word for a precious stone, from Latin gemma. It has long served as a term of endearment ('she's a gem') and now appears as a given name in its own right, as well as a short form of Gemma. It is a word-name rather than an inherited traditional name, which we note (said 'JEM').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, bright, and one-beat.

Did you know? Gem and Gemma are the same word twice over: Latin gemma meant both 'bud' and 'jewel'. Gem is the plain English form, sharp and small (said 'JEM').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Gem — English word-name; Latin gemma; short form of Gemma

Variations

GemmaJemGemme

Nicknames

GemmyJemmy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gem…

Gemma— the longer name Gem shortens

Pearl— a like precious-stone word-name

Ruby— a like jewel name for girls

Jewel— the same idea in another word

Explore names like Gem

By thememodern word-name short jewel

By meaningJewel / Gem Truth Rock / Stone

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gem mean?

Gem means 'precious stone', from Latin gemma. It is also used as a short form of Gemma.

How do you pronounce Gem?

It's said JEM /ˈdʒɛm/ — one syllable, with a soft G.

Is Gem a real name?

It is a word-name and a nickname-name rather than an inherited traditional one — used sparingly on its own. We note that plainly.

How popular is Gem?

Gem is rare in the U.S.; Gemma is the far more common relative.