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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Gemma/Jemma

38 replies

dogsgowoof · 06/10/2014 13:34

Would this work for a baby born today? Or is it too 80's?

Also which spelling do you prefer? I prefer Gemma, DH prefers Jemma as that is more "modern".

I did used to know someone called Jemma years ago who hated the fact that her parents had spelt her name with a J as everyone always assumed that it would be a G and she hated having to correct people when they spelt it wrong. It was also mispronounced as Jemima or Jenna a lot, which again she hated. So I think that has put me off the J spelling.

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Surfsup1 · 15/10/2014 12:07

Jemma. That makes the pronunciation clear, in all languages.

Except for the numerous languages where J is pronounced Y? So it would be pronounced Yemma.

UterusUterusGhali · 15/10/2014 12:00

Oh, Gemma in Spanish is Hemma, which can sound clunky.

UterusUterusGhali · 15/10/2014 11:59

G

rachel234 · 15/10/2014 11:56

I think I prefer the Jemma spelling as I too and also like Jemima and Jenna.

grufallosfriend · 15/10/2014 10:08

Jemma. That makes the pronunciation clear, in all languages. Gemma might otherwise be pronounced with a hard G like Greta or Gary.

CalamityKate1 · 15/10/2014 09:45

Gemma.

Or if you want something original - Djem'r.

furcoatbigknickers · 15/10/2014 09:39

I have a lively friend called Gemma. Love it. Also know a Jemima known as Jemma.

answerthebloodyphone · 15/10/2014 09:33

I like Gemma but I can't stand Jemma for some reason. I know that they are the same name in that they are pronounced the same...but when I see Jemma written down like that it just makes me cringe.

MGFM · 13/10/2014 21:00

Well I am biased as it is my name! It is very 80s, which is when I was born. It means precious stone which I have always liked. They haven't got it in the US (from my experience) and several Americans have pronounced it using a hard G which is always amusing!

Zhx3 · 10/10/2014 16:59

I have a Gemma, and she is lovely! She is also a precious treasure, like her name :).

Surfsup1 · 10/10/2014 00:05

Does anyone know how it's perceived in Italy?

fizzymittens · 09/10/2014 22:05

I love Gemma but it should never begin with a J! Whoever heard of such a thing? I teach one whose nickname is Gem. Lovely name.

springlamb · 09/10/2014 15:45

Gemma, from the Italian meaning precious stone. A old and classic name.
Short, sweet...and snappy when she needs to be.
Equally fitting for a neurosurgeon or a shelf stacker.
Hard to tell class or background from it, so she will be judged on herself.
Will look great in lights over the West End Skyline, equally good in brass on an office door. Or an Asda name tag.

Jemma....nasty, sounds like parents couldn't spell it Properly.

Can you guess which one I've got?

moxon · 09/10/2014 15:39

G.

crankypants · 09/10/2014 14:15

I have a lovely friend Gemma, so think fondly of the name. It's sweet and simple. Definitely with a G.

squoosh · 09/10/2014 14:13

Gemma.

It's one of those names that sounds pretty dated here but is considered quite posh and fancy in America.

ScarlettBanana · 09/10/2014 13:42

I think it's dated and chavvy, sorry.

squeak2392 · 08/10/2014 00:30

I do think it's dated, but I think it would be quite sweet on a little one.

I prefer the J spelling - I grew up with a girl called Jemma and every one I saw on TV was Jemma, so I didn't realise Gemma was the same name when I first saw it. Looks like a hard G to me.

manicinsomniac · 07/10/2014 23:04

I know a 10 year old Jemma.

It surprised me when I first met her as I do think of it as dated. It's quite pretty though.

Surfsup1 · 07/10/2014 22:24

Hmm, I don't think it sounds dated at all. Def prefer Gemma - Jemma looks a little bit naff.
Also don't think it sounds harsh - quite a gentle, girlie name.

PleaseCanIHaveABunnyRabbit · 07/10/2014 20:19

It's very dated IMO. It's also very harsh sounding.

Goldenlab · 07/10/2014 17:56

Gemma. And it's a good name

Alisvolatpropiis · 07/10/2014 17:53

It is very dated.

enriquetheringbearinglizard · 06/10/2014 22:17

With a G. Gemma.
Nice name.

Northernrose · 06/10/2014 22:14

Gemma

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