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Jimena
Pronounced hee-MAY-nah /xiˈme.na/High
Meaning: Spanish feminine form of Ximeno or Jimeno, ultimately derived from Hebrew Shim'on (Simon) meaning 'he has heard' or 'hearing'High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Jimena is the Spanish feminine form of Jimeno, a medieval Iberian name ultimately tracing to the Hebrew Shim'on — the biblical patriarch Simon whose name means 'God has heard.' The name was widespread in medieval Spain and Portugal, appearing in royal genealogies and chronicles of the Reconquista period.
Jimena remained a staple of the Spanish-speaking world through the centuries and has grown steadily in U.S. Hispanic communities since the late 20th century. It has crossed into broader American usage and ranked in the top 200 girls' names in the U.S. in recent years, driven by the growing influence of Latino naming traditions.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Jimena Díaz (c. 1056–c. 1116)Spanish noblewoman and wife of the legendary hero El Cid.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jimena mean?
Jimena is a Spanish form of Simon, tracing to Hebrew Shim'on meaning 'God has heard' or 'hearing.'
How do you pronounce Jimena?
It is said hee-MAY-nah in Spanish — three syllables with stress on the second. In English it is sometimes said jih-MEE-nah.
Is Jimena a boy or girl name?
Jimena is exclusively a girls' name, being the feminine form of the Spanish masculine name Jimeno.
How popular is Jimena?
Jimena has ranked in the top 200 girls' names in the U.S. in recent years, reflecting the growing popularity of Spanish heritage names.