I’ve loved the name [name_u]James[/name_u] for years, but I could never use it because it’s my cousin’s name. A large part of why I love it is the nickname [name_u]Jem[/name_u]. Is [name_u]Jem[/name_u] usable as a standalone name, do you think?
I really don’t like it by itself. It would be like naming your son [name_f]Jewel[/name_f]. What about [name_m]Jeremy[/name_m]/[name_m]Jeremiah[/name_m] nn [name_u]Jem[/name_u]?
I think [name_u]Jem[/name_u] could work on its own! Soundwise it’s similar to [name_m]Jim[/name_m], which people are familiar with and works as a standalone. [name_u]Jem[/name_u] might not be what people expect, but once the name is attached to an actual person, it’s hard to imagine them as anything else. 
I do think [name_u]Jem[/name_u] has potential to stand on its own apart from [name_u]James[/name_u], particularly if you pair it with a strong middle name.
Another alternative-- could you possibly put [name_u]James[/name_u] in the middle name spot and still have the little guy go by [name_u]Jem[/name_u]?
I absolutely think it works!
I will say that the spelling makes me think of [name_u]Jem[/name_u] and the holograms but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I think it works just fine. [name_u]Jem[/name_u] is lovely.
Definitely works. It’s no different to calling your son [name_m]Jack[/name_m], [name_m]Jim[/name_m], [name_m]Chuck[/name_m], [name_m]Tom[/name_m], [name_m]Will[/name_m], [name_u]Kit[/name_u], [name_m]Ned[/name_m], etc - if they’re in usage there’s no reason why [name_u]Jem[/name_u] shouldn’t be.
I knew a guy called ‘just’ [name_u]Jem[/name_u], so I think it works! Apart from regularly being asked what it was short for he didn’t seem to mind it at all.
Yes, definitely. One of my absolute favourites!
I can see it working, but it’s a bit too diminutive for me personally - I feel the same way about other nicknames as first names.
[name_m]Jeremy[/name_m] or [name_u]James[/name_u] as a middle name sound like good options! [name_u]Jem[/name_u] could possibly work for [name_m]Joachim[/name_m] as well.
I love the idea of feminine boys names, [name_u]Jem[/name_u] is perfect! Although would people think its spelt [name_f]Gem[/name_f]?
[name_m]Just[/name_m] something I think of since naming my child [name_u]Roux[/name_u]…
much love, [name_u]Sky[/name_u]
I think it’s fine on it’s own. I like short names on boys and don’t think it needs a longer variation, especially if you won’t call him by it.
I really like [name_u]Jem[/name_u]! It’s strong and sweet at the same time. I also see no problem with any potential association with [name_f]Gem[/name_f] or [name_f]Jewel[/name_f] - feminine connotations should not be negative when masculine names are so often used on baby girls.
I think [name_u]Jem[/name_u] works wonderfully on its own. If you’re unsure, perhaps put [name_u]James[/name_u] in the middle spot and call him [name_u]Jem[/name_u] as a nickname - then you get to use two names you love :).
It’s fine, but be prepared to have his name misheard as [name_m]Jim[/name_m] very frequently. It’s unique, but not distinguished sounding enough to stand out. My friend [name_m]Kent[/name_m] gets [name_m]Ken[/name_m] constantly, and [name_m]Cavan[/name_m] gets [name_m]Kevin[/name_m] almost every time. My friends new baby is named [name_u]Brennan[/name_u] and they get [name_m]Brendan[/name_m]/[name_m]Brandon[/name_m] all the time and hate it.
I’ve always been a fan of the name [name_u]Jem[/name_u] for a boy, both because of To Kill a Mockingbird and because [name_u]JEM[/name_u] is my initials. In the novel, [name_u]Jem[/name_u]'s real name is [name_m]Jeremy[/name_m], but I prefer the name [name_u]James[/name_u] to get [name_u]Jem[/name_u]. However, I think it would be fine to just name a boy [name_u]Jem[/name_u]. It’s not hard to spell or pronounce and it’s simple. Yes, it does sound like a jewel or gem but it’s been a boy’s nickname forever, so making that comment would be equal to saying the name [name_m]Harry[/name_m] sounds like hairy.
Absolutely can be a stand alone name! There is a Turkish name Cem which is pronounced like [name_u]Jem[/name_u].
People could potentially here [name_m]Jim[/name_m] but I don’t think its any different than parents or children having to correct people with names like [name_f]Amelia[/name_f] and [name_f]Emilia[/name_f]