The name Gemma is of Italian origin and means "precious stone." It is a feminine given name that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Gemma has its roots in the Latin word for precious stone, which is "gemma." In ancient times, gemstones were believed to possess magical properties and were often worn as jewelry or used in healing rituals. The name Gemma may have been chosen to represent the beauty, rarity, and power associated with these stones.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Gemma. One of the most famous is Saint Gemma Galgani, an Italian mystic and stigmatic who lived in the late 19th century. She is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is known for her visions of Jesus Christ and her extraordinary acts of penance.
Another notable figure named Gemma is the British actress Emma Thompson, who was born Emma Catherine Thomson but changed her name to Emma Thompson professionally. Although she is not commonly referred to as Gemma, this is indeed her given name.
In popular culture, the name Gemma has been used in various books, movies, and television shows. For example, it is the name of one of the main characters in the British drama series "The Crown," which follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Overall, the name Gemma is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a girl's name, with roots in ancient history and a connection to precious stones. Its association with notable figures like Saint Gemma Galgani and Emma Thompson only adds to its appeal.
The name Gemma has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting from just 5 births in 1904, the number of babies named Gemma remained relatively low until the 1940s, with annual birth counts ranging from single digits to a peak of 39 births in 1948.
However, starting in the 1970s, there was a notable uptick in the usage of the name Gemma. In 1971, 31 girls were named Gemma, and this number continued to grow steadily throughout the decade. By 1980, there were 46 babies named Gemma, marking the first time the name was given to more than 40 girls in a single year.
The 1990s brought even more popularity for the name Gemma, with birth counts doubling from 62 in 1990 to 155 in 2000. The new millennium saw an unprecedented surge in the number of babies named Gemma. From just over 200 births in 2000, the annual count skyrocketed to a peak of 1649 births in 2023.
Overall, from 1904 to 2023, there were a total of 22,697 babies named Gemma born in the United States. This data reflects the growing trend of parents choosing unique and meaningful names for their children, with Gemma proving to be a popular choice in recent years.