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Gemma

Girl name · 6,941 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gemma: 6,941 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 508 births in 1984.

Gemma arrived in Scotland from Italy, where it means "precious stone" or "jewel," drawn directly from the Latin *gemma* — a name that sparkles with an inherent, understated elegance. It gained widespread popularity in the UK during the 1980s, partly thanks to the actress Gemma Craven, who starred in the film *The Slipper and the Rose*, and later Gemma Arterton, known for her roles in *Clash of the Titans* and *Quantum of Solace*. The name also appears in Scottish households as a diminutive of Jemima, though its Italian roots remain the primary origin. Gemma has a lovely, song-like double 'm'