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Jimena

Pronunciation: [ j-IHM-uhn-uh ]

Girl Name #536 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

A Spanish classic with medieval noble roots

Spanish Latin American Basque
Elegant Sophisticated Classic Strong Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"heard, obedient"
Origin: Basque/Hebrew
Language: Spanish
"praised, exalted"
Origin: Old Spanish
Language: Spanish

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

Basque Ximena
English Ximena
Italian Ximena
Spanish Jimena

Famous People Named Jimena

J

Jimena Navarrete

Entertainer

1988

Mexican model and Miss Universe 2010

J

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

Jime Mena

Pairs Well With

Jimena Rose Jimena Isabel Jimena Lucia Jimena Sofia Jimena Elena Jimena Grace

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Jimena is also used as a boy name, ranked #10672.

View Jimena as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jimena

What does the name Jimena mean?
"heard, obedient" (from Basque/Hebrew). "praised, exalted" (from Old Spanish). 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.
What is the origin of the name Jimena?
Jimena has Basque/Hebrew, Old Spanish, Spanish, Latin American, and Basque origins. In Basque/Hebrew, it means "heard, obedient". In Old Spanish, it means "praised, exalted".
Is Jimena a boy or girl name?
Jimena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #536. As a boy name, it is ranked #10672. Jimena is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jimena?
Jimena is pronounced j-IHM-uhn-uh.
How popular is the name Jimena?
Jimena is currently ranked #536 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jimena?
Common nicknames for Jimena include Jime and Mena.
What are good middle names for Jimena?
Popular middle name pairings include Jimena Rose, Jimena Isabel, Jimena Lucia, Jimena Sofia, Jimena Elena, and Jimena Grace.
What are good sibling names for Jimena?
Names that pair well with Jimena as siblings include Diego, Mateo, Lucia, Isabella, Rafael, and Valentina.
How many syllables does Jimena have?
Jimena has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Jimena a common or rare name?
Jimena is moderately common, ranked #536 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

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.

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