Find out how popular the first name Jemma has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jemma by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Jemma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 389 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jemma.

The history of the first name Jemma

The name Jemma has its origins in the English language and is a variant of the name Gemma. The name Gemma itself is derived from the Latin word "gemma," which means "precious stone" or "jewel." This connection to precious stones and gems suggests a sense of rarity, value, and beauty associated with the name.

In the medieval period, the name Gemma was commonly used in various European countries, particularly in Italy and England. It was a popular name among the upper classes and nobility, reflecting the name's association with preciousness and value. Over time, the variant spelling Jemma emerged, likely due to regional pronunciation differences or influences from other languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jemma can be found in the writings of the English poet and clergyman John Donne (1572-1631). In his poem "A Fever," he mentions a character named Jemma, which indicates that the name was in use during the early 17th century in England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jemma. Jemma Lomas (born 1967) is a British actress known for her roles in television series such as "Dalziel and Pascoe" and "Heartbeat." Jemma Griffiths (born 1975) is a Welsh singer and songwriter who has released several albums and singles.

In the literary world, Jemma Redgrave (born 1965) is a British actress and the daughter of acclaimed actors Corin Redgrave and Deirdre Hamilton. She has appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows, including "Howard's End" and "Lorna Doone."

Another notable figure is Jemma Kidd (born 1974), a British makeup artist and author who has worked with numerous celebrities and fashion brands. She has also launched her own cosmetics line and written several books on makeup and beauty.

In the realm of sports, Jemma Lowe (born 1990) is a British swimmer who has represented Great Britain in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. She has won multiple medals and held national records in various swimming events.

These examples demonstrate the enduring presence of the name Jemma throughout history, spanning various fields and cultures. While its origins can be traced back to the Latin word for "precious stone," the name has taken on its own unique identity and has been embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jemma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jemma, please contact us.

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