"heard, obedient"
Jimena
Pronunciation: [ j-IHM-uhn-uh ]
A Spanish classic with medieval noble roots
Meaning & Origin
"praised, exalted"
The Story of Jimena
Jimena is the Spanish feminine form of the medieval name Ximena, which itself derives from the Basque name Eximeno. The name may be connected to the Basque word meaning 'heard' or to the Hebrew Shimon (Simon) meaning 'he who hears'. Jimena was a common name in medieval Spain among noble families, most famously borne by the wife of El Cid.
Jimena has gained popularity across Latin America and among Hispanic communities in the US throughout the 2000s and 2010s. It frequently appears on top baby name lists in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, and has grown in the US as Spanish-language names have become more mainstream.
Jimena holds deep historical significance in Spain as the name of Jimena Díaz, wife of El Cid — the legendary 11th-century Castilian knight whose epic tale is central to Spanish literary heritage. The name embodies both historical nobility and modern Latina identity.
Fun Facts
- Jimena Díaz was the wife of El Cid, the legendary Spanish medieval hero
- Ximena/Jimena regularly tops baby name charts in Mexico and Colombia
- The name appears in the 12th-century epic poem 'Cantar de Mio Cid'
Jimena in Other Languages
Famous People Named Jimena
Jimena Navarrete
Entertainer
1988
Mexican model and Miss Universe 2010
Jimena Díaz
Other
11th-century Spanish noblewoman and wife of El Cid, the legendary Castilian knight
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #536
- Total SSA Count
- 563
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Basque
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Jimena is also used as a boy name, ranked #10672.
View Jimena as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jimena
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About the Name Jimena
Jimena is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, and Basque origins . The name means "heard, obedient" in Basque/Hebrew .
Is Jimena a boy or girl name? Jimena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #536 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,672. Jimena is more commonly used as a girl name.
Jimena is currently ranked #536 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jimena has 3 syllables and is pronounced j-IHM-uhn-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Jimena include Jime and Mena. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.