Declining since 2017, #578 for girls today.
Popularity of Jimena since 1966
Babies named Jimena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 128 |
| 1990s | 371 |
| 2000s | 5,698 |
| 2010s | 7,231 |
| 2020s | 3,596 |
Meaning & origin
Jimena first appeared in U.S. records in 1966 and has since grown steadily in popularity, peaking at rank 578 in 2016. The name is most common in Nevada, Idaho, and California. In 2025, about 1 in 3,121 newborn girls received the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2017, but it remains a distinctive choice with strong Spanish heritage. Jimena is the feminine form of Jimeno, rooted in the Basque name Semen. The name carries historical weight through Doña Jimena, wife of the medieval Spanish hero El Cid. Modern usage in the U.S. reflects the growing influence of Hispanic culture, while its sound and structure fit well with contemporary naming trends.
Jimena is the feminine form of the Spanish name Jimeno, which derives from the Basque name Semen, meaning 'son' or 'listener'. The name has been used in Spain since the Middle Ages, notably associated with the wife of El Cid, Doña Jimena. It remains popular in Spanish-speaking countries and gained modern usage in the United States, particularly among Hispanic families.
Where Jimena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jime, Mena, Jimmy
Sibling names for Jimena
Names that share Jimena's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Jimena
Names whose popularity has moved with Jimena's over the last 50 years.
