Hemma

♀ Girl

Pronounced HEM-ah /ˈhɛm.ə/Medium

Meaning: A medieval Germanic name, closely related to Emma and generally traced to the element ermen or irmin ('whole, universal'). Hemma is documented in early medieval Europe and was borne by Blessed Hemma of Gurk, an eleventh-century Carinthian noblewoman.Medium

In 30 seconds: A genuine medieval name: Hemma is an old Germanic form related to Emma, 'whole, universal' (said 'HEM-ah').

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Origin MediumGermanic, German

MeaningA medieval Germanic name, closely related to Emma and generally traced to the element ermen or irmin ('whole, universal'). Hemma is documented in early medieval Europe and was borne by Blessed Hemma of Gurk, an eleventh-century Carinthian noblewoman.

U.S. rank (2014)#15306 ↗ Rising

2014 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 21

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

Hemma is a genuine medieval Germanic name rather than a modern respelling of Emma, though the two are closely related: both are generally traced to the element ermen or irmin, 'whole, universal.' Hemma appears in early medieval charters across German-speaking Europe. Its best known bearer is Blessed Hemma of Gurk, an eleventh-century Carinthian noblewoman who, after the deaths of her husband and sons, founded monasteries and is venerated in Austria and Slovenia (said 'HEM-ah').

In the U.S. it appears only in very small numbers. Rare, medieval, and genuinely old.

Did you know? Hemma of Gurk was an eleventh-century Carinthian noblewoman who founded monasteries after losing her family - her name is a genuine medieval form of Emma.

Overall data confidence 55%

References - Hemma — Germanic ermen/irmin 'whole, universal'; Blessed Hemma of Gurk (11th c.)

Variations

EmmaHemaHemme

Nicknames

HemEmmy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hemma…

Emma— the closely related name

Edda— a like medieval Germanic name

Frieda— a like old German girls' name

Irma— a fellow German choice

Wilma— another German name

Explore names like Hemma

By themegermanic german historic medieval

By meaningRoyal / Noble Gift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hemma mean?

Hemma is a medieval Germanic name related to Emma, from ermen 'whole, universal'; borne by Blessed Hemma of Gurk.

How do you pronounce Hemma?

It's said HEM-ah /ˈhɛm.ə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hemma a boy or girl name?

Hemma is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Hemma?

Hemma is extremely rare in the U.S.