Etymology Map
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Gem

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a precious stone; a treasured thing

Where does the word "gem" come from? It comes from Latin gemma, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
gemma
Latin · ancient
"bud, jewel"
a bud on a plant and a precious stone
2
Stage 2 of 3
gemme
Old French · medieval
"jewel"
reinforced an Old English borrowing 'gim'
3
Stage 3 of 3
gem
English · 1300s
"jewel"
'a gem of a person' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Gem’s story begins in Latin: gemma meant “bud, jewel.” A bud on a plant and a precious stone. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as gemme. Reinforced an Old English borrowing 'gim'. It reached English by 1300s as gem. 'a gem of a person' dates from the 1700s. Today, gem means a precious stone; a treasured thing.