NomOrigine Background

Last Name Gema

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.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Gema

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

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

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gema gonsalves (Last name)

surnames > gema-gonsalves

The last name Gonsalves is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the given name Gonçalo, which is a variation of the name Gonzalo. The name Gonzalo is of Spanish and Portuguese...

Gemaque (Last name)

surnames > gemaque

The last name Gemaque is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Gemquo, which is of Germanic origin, meaning "gem warrior." Over time, the name evolved i...

Gemayel (Last name)

surnames > gemayel

The last name Gemayel is of Lebanese origin. It is a common surname found in Lebanon and is typically associated with Christian families. The Gemayel family is a prominent politica...

Gemeinder (Last name)

surnames > gemeinder

The surname Gemeinder is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "gemeinde" meaning "community," "village," or "town." This surname was typically used to iden...

Gemeniano (Last name)

surnames > gemeniano

The last name "Gemeniano" originates from Italy. It is derived from the Latin personal name "Geminianus", which means "twin". This surname was likely used to denote someone who had...

Gemerson (Last name)

surnames > gemerson

The last name Gemerson is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the given name Gamel, which means "old" or "aged". Over time, the name evolved into various forms suc...

Gemiey (Last name)

surnames > gemiey

The last name "Gemiey" does not have a well-known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it may be a variant spelling of a more common surname.

Geminiani (Last name)

surnames > geminiani

The last name Geminiani has Italian origins. It is a surname of patronymic origin, meaning it is derived from the personal name of the father of the original bearer. The name Gemin...

Gemlik (Last name)

surnames > gemlik

The last name Gemlik is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the place name Gemlik, a district in the province of Bursa in northwestern Turkey.

Gemmeda (Last name)

surnames > gemmeda

The last name Gemmeda is of Italian origin.

Gemoto (Last name)

surnames > gemoto

The last name Gemoto is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Gemo, which is a short form of the name Gemma. Gemma is a given name of Latin origin meaning "gem" o...

Gemsl (Last name)

surnames > gemsl

The last name "Gemsl" does not have a widely known origin. It is possible that it could be a variant or alteration of another surname, or have a regional or cultural significance t...

Gemz (Last name)

surnames > gemz

The surname Gemz is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "gemze," meaning "chamois" or "wild goat." It is likely an occupational surname for someone who worke...