Gemma

Origin and meaning of Gemma

Gemma comes from the Latin gemma, meaning both a plant's 'bud' and a 'precious stone.' It is thus a jewel-name, a symbol of worth and rare beauty, much loved in medieval Italy — it was even the name of Dante's wife, Gemma Donati. Today it is common in Italy, Catalonia and, especially, Britain and Ireland, where it stands as a classic, well-liked girls' name.

Famous people

• Santa Gemma Galgani— saint
• Gemma Arterton— actress