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Home › Baby Names Directory › Jemima

Jemima

♀ Girl

Pronounced jeh-MY-mah /dʒɪˈmaɪmə/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew 'yemimah,' most commonly interpreted as 'dove,' a symbol of peace and purity; some scholars suggest 'day' or 'bright as day.'High

In 30 seconds: Jemima is a Hebrew biblical name meaning 'dove,' carried by one of Job's daughters. It radiates warmth, peace, and timeless elegance.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew 'yemimah,' most commonly interpreted as 'dove,' a symbol of peace and purity; some scholars suggest 'day' or 'bright as day.'
U.S. rank (2025)#3544 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births43 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,826

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201818812025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jemima is a biblical name borne by the eldest daughter of Job in the Hebrew scriptures (Job 42:14). Puritan settlers in England and America adopted it enthusiastically in the 17th century, valuing its scriptural connection. It remained a staple of English naming culture through the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the United Kingdom, Jemima has experienced a gentle revival as part of the trend for old-fashioned biblical names. It is associated with the beloved children's character Jemima Puddle-Duck created by Beatrix Potter in 1908, cementing its place in British cultural memory.

Did you know? Jemima appears in the Old Testament as the eldest of the three beautiful daughters born to Job after his trials, described in the Book of Job as among the fairest women in the land.
Overall data confidence 92%
Strong's Hebrew Concordance – yemimah — Biblical etymology of JemimaOxford Dictionary of English Christian Names — Historical usage in English-speaking worldBook of Job 42:14 — Biblical attestation

Variations

GemimaYemimaJemimah

Nicknames

JemMimaJemi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jemima Goldsmith (Jemima Khan) (1974–present)
    English film producer, screenwriter and journalist known for her media work and philanthropy.

If you like Jemima…

Delilah— Hebrew biblical name with lyrical, feminine sound
Tabitha— Hebrew biblical name enjoying modern revival
Naomi— Hebrew Old Testament name with gentle, timeless feel
Nechama— another Hebrew name
Jubilee— another biblical pick

Explore names like Jemima

By themehebrewbiblicalclassicvintagepeacefulbritish
By meaningLightPeacePurityBird

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jemima mean?

Jemima means 'dove' in Hebrew, symbolizing peace and purity. It is also sometimes interpreted as 'day' or 'bright as day.'

How do you pronounce Jemima?

Jemima is pronounced jeh-MY-mah, with three syllables and emphasis on the second.

Is Jemima a boy or girl name?

Jemima is a girl's name.

How popular is Jemima?

Jemima is more popular in the United Kingdom than in the United States, where it carries some cultural associations. It ranks consistently in UK charts as a gentle vintage revival.

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