Jemima

Pronunciation: [ j-ehm-EEM-uh ]

Girl Name #3,015 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

Gentle as a dove, beloved since biblical days

English Jewish American Biblical

Vintage Literary Classic Gentle Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"dove"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

"beautiful, radiant as a dove"

Origin: Biblical Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

Things to Know About This Name

Aunt Jemima was a stereotypical brand character on US pancake syrup, retired in 2021; worth knowing for US context

The Story of Jemima

Jemima is a Hebrew name (Yemimah) meaning 'dove.' In the Book of Job, Jemima is the first of Job's three beautiful daughters, given to him after his restoration from suffering. The name was embraced by English Puritans in the 17th century who favored Old Testament names, and remained popular in Britain through the Victorian era.

Jemima has been steadily popular in England and Wales, where it carries a wholesome, literary, somewhat aristocratic quality. In the US, the name's association with the Aunt Jemima brand (a marketing character introduced in 1889 and retired as offensive in 2021) has complicated its use, though the brand's retirement has helped restore the name's original charm for American families.

In the Book of Job, Jemima and her sisters are described as the most beautiful women in all the land. Beatrix Potter's Jemima Puddle-Duck (1908) made the name familiar and beloved in British culture. In Britain, the name carries a distinctly upper-class, countryside connotation.

Fun Facts

In the Book of Job, Jemima is specifically mentioned among the most beautiful women of her time
Beatrix Potter's Jemima Puddle-Duck (1908) is still one of the best-selling children's books in England

Jemima in Other Languages

Arabic Yamima

French Jemima

Hebrew Yemimah

Spanish Jemima

Famous People Named Jemima

Jemima Khan

Humanitarian

1974

British journalist, activist, and former wife of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan

Jemima Puddle-Duck Fictional

Other

Beloved duck character in Beatrix Potter's 1908 children's book of the same name

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #3,015
Total SSA Count: 54
Cultural Origins: English Jewish American Biblical
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Jemimah #4733

Common Nicknames

Jem Mima Jemi

Pairs Well With

Jemima Rose Jemima Grace Jemima Alice Jemima Pearl Jemima Violet Jemima Eleanor

Sibling Names

Barnabas Theodora Ptolemy Ottoline Caspar Arabella

Similar Names

Barbara Samantha Talitha Pamela Gemma Jasmine Tamar Tamia

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jemima

What does the name Jemima mean?

"dove" (from Hebrew). "beautiful, radiant as a dove" (from Biblical Hebrew). Jemima is a Hebrew name (Yemimah) meaning 'dove.' In the Book of Job, Jemima is the first of Job's three beautiful daughters, given to him after his restoration from suffering. The name was embraced by English Puritans in the 17th century who favored Old Testament names, and remained popular in Britain through the Victorian era.

What is the origin of the name Jemima?

Jemima has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, English, Jewish, American, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "dove". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "beautiful, radiant as a dove".

Is Jemima a boy or girl name?

Jemima is primarily used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Jemima?

Jemima is pronounced j-ehm-EEM-uh.

How popular is the name Jemima?

Jemima is currently ranked #3015 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Jemima?

Common nicknames for Jemima include Jem, Mima, and Jemi.

What are good middle names for Jemima?

Popular middle name pairings include Jemima Rose, Jemima Grace, Jemima Alice, Jemima Pearl, Jemima Violet, and Jemima Eleanor.

What are good sibling names for Jemima?

Names that pair well with Jemima as siblings include Barnabas, Theodora, Ptolemy, Ottoline, Caspar, and Arabella.

How many syllables does Jemima have?

Jemima has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Jemima a common or rare name?

Jemima is an uncommon name, ranked #3015 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Jemima

Jemima is a girl name with English, Jewish, American, and Biblical origins . The name means "dove" in Hebrew .

Jemima is currently ranked #3,015 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Jemima has 3 syllables and is pronounced j-ehm-EEM-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Jemima include Jem, Mima, and Jemi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Jemima include Jemimah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.