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Last Name Gema

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What is the origin of the last name Gema?

The surname "Gema" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the female given name "Gemma," which is a diminutive form of "Jemima" and means "trembling earth." The name became a common surname in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions, where it was often passed down through generations.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Gema

The meaning and origin of the last name Gema

The surname Gema is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the feminine given name "Gemma." In Spanish-speaking cultures, surnames often have their roots in personal names, which can be either the given name (apellido paterno) or the mother's maiden name (apellido materno). The name Gemma is believed to originate from the Latin word "gemma," meaning a gem or jewel. Over time, it became a popular female given name in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions, eventually evolving into a surname. Today, Gema can be found among Spanish, Hispanic American, and other Latinx communities worldwide. It is important to note that the origins of surnames can sometimes be complex and multifaceted, with different branches or families adopting the name for various reasons, making it challenging to trace a single definitive origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gema

The surname Gema is predominantly found in Spain, where it originates from and has one of the highest concentrations. Specifically, it is most prevalent in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, and Navarra in the northern part of the country. Its distribution is also noticeable in the regions of Madrid and Castile-Leon. Beyond Spain, there are significant populations of people with the surname Gema in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries as a result of migration patterns from Spain during colonial times and more recently. It is less common but can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish speakers have emigrated, such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gema

The surname Gema can have various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription conventions. Some common spelling variants include Gemah, Géma (accents may vary), Geima, Jéma, and Jeimah, depending on the language or region of origin. In English-speaking contexts, it may also be written as Ghema or Ghama, reflecting phonetic adaptations from other languages. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple possible origins, and without additional context, it is impossible to determine if these variations are derived from a common root or are unrelated names with the same sound.

Famous people with the last name Gema

Gema is a relatively uncommon surname, yet it has been associated with several notable figures worldwide. In Spain, Gema Abad (born 1963) is a renowned painter and printmaker whose work combines traditional techniques with contemporary themes. In the realm of music, Rosalía Vila Tobella, better known as Rosalía, is a Spanish singer-songwriter who has gained international fame for her flamenco fusion style and innovative approach to music videos.

In the field of sports, Gemma Mengual i Tarragó is a prominent Spanish swimmer who won a silver medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 50-meter backstroke event. In the United States, Gema Zamora-Rossch was an influential Latina mathematician who made significant contributions to astrophysics and theoretical physics, particularly in the field of galaxy formation and evolution. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, have left indelible marks on art, music, sports, and science with their unique talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Gema

The surname Gema originates from the Basque region in Spain and the Basque Country in France, where it is most commonly spelled as Gemba or Imaz-Gemba. This patronymic name is derived from the Basque personal name Egoi, meaning "youth" or "young man," which was often given to a first-born son, and the suffix -ma, indicating descent. The Basques have lived in their homeland for more than 4000 years and possess their own unique language and culture, separate from neighboring regions. Throughout history, many Basque families emigrated due to economic hardship or political unrest, spreading the Gema name across Europe, South America, and North America. The variants of this surname include Gemayo, Gemesa, Jemma, Jema, and Jeuma.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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