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Baby names

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

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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SunbathingCat · 06/10/2014 13:41

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Lunastarfish · 06/10/2014 13:42

It's pretty and not very common now. Prefer Gemma

DealForTheKids · 06/10/2014 13:42

Ooh it's interesting - I really like Gemma with a G, not such a fab of Jemma. I don't know why though. I think maybe it's precisely because it's more 'modern'? Feels a bit like a "I'm trying to make this original" name.

DealForTheKids · 06/10/2014 13:43

And I don't find it too 80s :)

Leeds2 · 06/10/2014 13:46

Prefer it with a G. I think others will typically spell it with a G, which would be annoying if she was a Jemma.

bouncinbean · 06/10/2014 13:49

Its on my list for a girl with the G spelling - so I like it!
Personally prefer the G as its the classic way - and I think the J spelling is just trying to be different and hence a bit naff.

Iloveadrianmole · 06/10/2014 14:02

I think it's lovely. I would spell it the Italian way - Gemma - as that is the traditional way of spelling the name and then gives it the original meaning - precious stone or Gem.

ThinkIveBeenHacked · 06/10/2014 14:08

I am the G spelling so it feels like that is the correct way to spell it. Do get the odd person assume its J but nost assume G.

Its also good when (say over the phone) someone asks "Is that with a G or a J" and I can reply "G for Gnome" Grin

I do like Jenna, but not Jemma. I adore Jemima. I mainly get an assortment of nicknames, based around the fact that everyone calls me Gem.

Sophronia · 06/10/2014 14:34

My cousin spells it with a J, but the G spelling does seem more correct.

figgieroll · 06/10/2014 14:36

Jemima is very nice. So I prefer Jemma

Vintagejazz · 06/10/2014 15:22

I prefer Gemma and always associate that name with the Noel Streatfeild books as that was the first time I ever heard it. I think it's a nice name.

Montsti · 06/10/2014 18:26

I would always ask as both spellings are known - neither is more or less popular IMO.

Randomly DS who has just turned 5 had a Gemma and a Jemma in his class last year! I say randomly as it really isn't a widespread name currently but it's pretty and IMO is not dated.

Vijac · 06/10/2014 22:09

Great name but has to be with a G IMO.

Northernrose · 06/10/2014 22:14

Gemma

enriquetheringbearinglizard · 06/10/2014 22:17

With a G. Gemma.
Nice name.

Alisvolatpropiis · 07/10/2014 17:53

It is very dated.

Goldenlab · 07/10/2014 17:56

Gemma. And it's a good name

PleaseCanIHaveABunnyRabbit · 07/10/2014 20:19

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

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.

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.

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.

ScarlettBanana · 09/10/2014 13:42

I think it's dated and chavvy, sorry.

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.

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.

moxon · 09/10/2014 15:39

G.