A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jemima since 1881
Babies named Jemima per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2018, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jemima's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 55 |
| 1890s | 63 |
| 1900s | 50 |
| 1910s | 97 |
| 1920s | 76 |
| 1930s | 24 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 86 |
| 1980s | 113 |
| 1990s | 176 |
| 2000s | 333 |
| 2010s | 442 |
| 2020s | 290 |
Meaning & origin
Jemima, a name of biblical origin, has a complex history in the United States. First recorded in Social Security data in 1881, it reached its peak rank of 3,517 in the 1880s, particularly in Maryland and New York. After a period of disuse due to association with a minstrel character, the name has been rising modestly since 1986. Its 2025 usage remains rare, with only about 1 in 37,378 baby girls receiving the name. The revival is likely due to parents rediscovering this biblical name as part of a trend toward vintage and Old Testament names. Despite its challenges, Jemima retains a gentle, vintage charm for those seeking a name with deep roots.
Jemima is one of the three daughters of Job in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in Job 42:14. The name has long been used in English-speaking countries, especially among Puritans and later in the American South. While often associated with the Hebrew yonah (dove), the exact meaning remains uncertain. It fell out of favor in the 20th century due to racial stereotypes but has seen a modest revival in recent decades.
Where Jemima is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jemima” around the world
Where Jemima lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mimi, Jem
Variants: Gemima, Yemima
Sibling names for Jemima
Names that share Jemima's style, for a brother or sister.
