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Baby names

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

Original poster

Gemma

57 replies

wildpoppy · 16/05/2015 18:59

Opinions please. I like it a lot. Dh is swaying towards it. (5 months left and don't know gender. Probably Alexander if a boy).

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lastqueenofscotland · 21/05/2015 23:18

I hate it, agree very dated.
I love Emma - though I know a bit of a 'mary poppins' who is an Emma (practically perfect in every way!) and i've always been a bit in awe but thats what i'll always associate the name with. One of my fav names.

Jenna is alright.

I really dislike Gemma... just sounds a bit.... common?!

2boys2girls · 21/05/2015 22:21

Jenna is lovely ,

wowiesis111 · 21/05/2015 11:23

How about Jemma. Using a J instead. Majority of 80s Gemma's were with a G.

FishCanFly · 21/05/2015 10:38

Sons of Anarchy fan? Gemma was a remarkable character, but not a very nice person.

Twasthecatthatdidit · 19/05/2015 11:15

Go with Gemma! It's a nice name and Gem is a lovely nickname.

OpheliaBitz · 19/05/2015 11:10

I think Emma and Jenna are much nicer names. I think that Gemma sounds harsh somehow, although looks a bit nicer spelt Jemma.

I went to school with loads of Gemmas, and do think it has a very dated, 80s feel to it.

donemekmelarf · 19/05/2015 11:04

Emma is Nice.

I'm not struck on the name Gemma, it sounds like a common version of Emma.
Emma is Classy, Gemma not.

PsychopathOnTheCyclepath · 19/05/2015 11:01

As a child of the 80's there were always several in each class of school. I've also had my fair share of not nice Gemma's (have met a couple of nice ones too) so if I'm honest it would massively put me off.

It is an 80's name and there were so many in schools in the 90's.

balletnotlacrosse · 19/05/2015 10:55

I don't see the Sharon/Tracy connection. They might be from the same era but they definitely have a very different image to Gemma. It's a bit like saying Kayleigh sounds the same as Poppy or Millie, because they're all popular names from recent years.

Scattymere · 18/05/2015 09:55

Agree it sounds similar to Sharon & Tracy. Def prefer Jenna but neither is especially nice IMO.

LauraChant · 18/05/2015 09:49

When my sister was little (1980s, Essex) every other child in her class seemed to be a Gemma, so in that sense it is dated in that it was very popular at a certain time. That doesn't stop it being pretty. I think of "Gem is her name, no-one else is the same!", and the Noel Streatfeild books about Gemma.

inmyshoos · 18/05/2015 09:43

There is a Gemma at our local nursery. First one i have heard of in years. I quite like Jenna too, similar sounding but less 80's. Both nice names though.

EnjoyTheSimpleThingsInLife · 18/05/2015 09:37

My name is Jemma. I don't really like it but do prefer it to Gemma. But if you use it for your DD you/she will probably get asked a million times how to spell it.
I prefer getting called Jem. Gem is nice if you choose the other spelling.

Rivercam · 18/05/2015 09:24

Love nn of Gem also

Rivercam · 18/05/2015 09:24

I know two teenage Gemma's so don't consider it a dated name at all, and love the name. I don't think of it as an 80s name at all.

Jemima always makes me think of Jemima Puddleduck.

BubGal13 · 18/05/2015 09:15

Really really don't like it. Sorry. Very harsh, 80's, and in same vein as Sharon/Tracey. Its not graceful at all.

SoldierBear · 18/05/2015 07:20

Id say Gemma is much more a 70s name and lovely.
Jenna is very very 80s and there was a surge on popularity due to the character in Dallas

firstcomeslove · 18/05/2015 06:42

Very dated in my opinion. Jenna is a much prettier option.

Scotinoz · 17/05/2015 22:48

I don't usually comment on name threads, but Gemma is really lovelySmile. Really pretty, really 'normal', suits a baby, little girl an adult.

Usually the names suggested want to make me poke my eye out, but not today!

GatoradeMeBitch · 17/05/2015 16:39

I've suspected for a while that 80s names will eventually come back into fashion. In 2030 when we are surrounded by tiny Carols, Imogens and Sharons, you'll know you got the jump on them!

ilovemargaretatwood8931 · 17/05/2015 14:33

I really like it. I understand why people think it's a bit dated, but that doesn't make me dislike it at all. Lovely name.

KPlunk · 17/05/2015 14:23

I love it. It's pretty. I also like Jenny.

EveryFrickingNameIsTaken · 17/05/2015 14:18

Bloody phone.

Op, I know a few people that have named their DD's Gemma or Jemma. I think it's making a comeback!

EveryFrickingNameIsTaken · 17/05/2015 14:15

Afink. I'm Gemma, pleased to meet you. I like to think of myself as a nice, kind and friendly person! Cheers for tarring us all with the same brush though Grin

Switchitoff. Strong and feisty is a great description. Ballsy too haha

SueGeneris · 17/05/2015 14:15

Very nice name, I don't think it is dated.

There is one in my dc's primary school.