Gemma is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'gem' or 'gemstone'. Its popularity peaked in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. It was the third most popular female name in 1984 in the UK. Gemma is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'gem' or 'gemstone'. Its popularity peaked in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. It was the third most popular female name in 1984 in the UK.