Jema

♀ Girl

Pronounced JEM-uh /ˈdʒɛm.ə/High

Meaning: Jema is a spelling of Gemma, an Italian name from Latin gemma, 'gem, precious stone'. The J spelling brings it in line with English pronunciation and with the wider family of J- names.Medium

In 30 seconds: A jewel of a name: Jema spells Gemma, from Latin gemma, 'precious stone' (said 'JEM-uh').

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Origin LowItalian, English

MeaningJema is a spelling of Gemma, an Italian name from Latin gemma, 'gem, precious stone'. The J spelling brings it in line with English pronunciation and with the wider family of J- names.

U.S. rank (2024)#14183 ↘ Falling

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

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 400

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

Jema is a spelling of Gemma, from Latin gemma, 'gem, precious stone'. Gemma has long been used in Italy, given fresh warmth by the veneration of Saint Gemma Galgani, and it became fashionable in Britain and beyond. The J spelling is a modern touch that matches English ears (said 'JEM-uh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S., while Gemma is far more common. Rare, jewel-bright, and simple.

Did you know? Gemma means simply 'gem' in Italian — the same Latin word behind the English one. Jema keeps the meaning and swaps the G for a J (said 'JEM-uh').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Jema — Gemma variant; Latin gemma, 'precious stone'

Variations

GemmaJemmaGema

Nicknames

JemJemmy

Famous Bearers

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If you like Jema…

Gemma— the Italian original behind Jema

Jemma— the closest spelling cousin

Emma— a like short, warm two-beat name

Pearl— a fellow jewel name

Explore names like Jema

By themeshort italian variant

By meaningJewel / Gem Rock / Stone

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jema mean?

Jema is a spelling of Gemma, from Latin gemma — 'gem, precious stone'.

How do you pronounce Jema?

It's said JEM-uh /ˈdʒɛm.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jema a boy or girl name?

Jema is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Jema?

Jema is rare in the U.S.; the spelling Gemma is much more widely used.