Jem

♀ Girl

Pronounced JEM /ˈdʒɛm/High

Meaning: Jem is a one-syllable English name used for both girls and boys. For girls it usually shortens Jemima or Jemma; for boys it is an old pet form of James. Many families also hear the word 'gem', a precious stone. Unisex, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: One bright syllable: Jem shortens Jemma or Jemima and echoes 'gem' (said 'JEM'). It is unisex, which we note.

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowEnglish

MeaningJem is a one-syllable English name used for both girls and boys. For girls it usually shortens Jemima or Jemma; for boys it is an old pet form of James. Many families also hear the word 'gem', a precious stone. Unisex, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#14182 ↗ Rising

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

Peak year1987

Total births (all-time)≈ 102

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

Jem is an old English pet name, historically for James, and in modern use a girls' short form of Jemma and Jemima. The sound-echo with gem, a precious stone, gives it extra warmth. Rock-band and cartoon associations have kept it visible. It is used both ways, which we note honestly (said 'JEM').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, short, and unisex.

Did you know? Jem is a genuinely unisex name — a girls' short form of Jemma and Jemima, and an old English boys' pet form of James (as in the brother in To Kill a Mockingbird). It also rings like 'gem', which we note (said 'JEM').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Jem — Short form of Jemma/Jemima/James; unisex; 'gem' echo

Variations

JemmaGemJemm

Nicknames

Jemmy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jem…

Jemma— the fuller name Jem often shortens

Jemima— another name behind the nickname

Gemma— the jewel name Jem echoes

Wren— a like crisp one-syllable pick

Explore names like Jem

By themeunisex short vintage nickname-name

By meaningJewel / Gem Rock / Stone

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jem mean?

Jem shortens Jemma or Jemima for girls and James for boys; it also echoes the English word 'gem'.

How do you pronounce Jem?

It's said JEM /ˈdʒɛm/ — one syllable.

Is Jem a boy or girl name?

Jem is genuinely unisex — used for girls and for boys, which we note.

How popular is Jem?

Jem is a rare name for girls in the U.S.