Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Jemima
GirlHebrew· “dove”
- Meaning
- dove
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- juh-MY-muh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,544
- US babies 2025
- 43
- Best rank
- #713 (1885)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Jemima
Jemima is a Hebrew name that means “dove”.
Jemima is a Hebrew name, often explained as dove, although some link it to a word for day. In the Book of Job, Jemima is the first of Job's three daughters, born after his trials and described as the fairest in the land. The name was used by English Puritans and later in England and America. Beatrix Potter's Jemima Puddle-Duck made it familiar to generations of children. It is said juh-MY-muh.
Popularity over time
Jemima first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #713 in 1885, and the most babies received it in 2018, when 64 were named Jemima. In 2025, 43 babies were named Jemima, and it ranked #3,544 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,778 in 1920, #8,506 in 1980, #4,590 in 2000, #4,342 in 2010, and #3,544 in 2025. Of the 1,832 US girls named Jemima since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 333 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Evelynne, Amairany, Maris, Yohana, and Reema.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jemima ranked highest in Maryland and New York.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Jemima is usually pronounced juh-MY-muh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Jemima
A few middle names that flow with Jemima: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jemima
Similar names
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Lists that include Jemima
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jemima mean?
Jemima is a Hebrew name that means “dove”.
What is the origin of the name Jemima?
Jemima has Hebrew roots. Jemima is a Hebrew name, often explained as dove, although some link it to a word for day.
Is Jemima a popular name?
Not especially. Jemima ranked #3,544 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jemima a boy or girl name?
Jemima is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Jemima?
Jemima is usually pronounced juh-MY-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings