Jemima is a unique and exotic female given name of Hebrew origin. It means "like a dove" or "pleasant," which are both beautiful and meaningful meanings for a girl's name.
The name Jemima has its roots in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it appears as one of the daughters of Job, the patriarch who was known for his unwavering faith despite being tested by God with numerous tragedies. In the story, Jemima is the eldest daughter of Job and is named after her mother's response to her birth: "God hath given me another son instead of you" (Job 42:14). The name Jemima was later popularized in English literature through the character of Jemima Potts, a nursemaid in Henry Fielding's novel "Tom Jones."
Despite its biblical origins and literary associations, Jemima remains relatively uncommon as a given name. However, it has been used by several notable individuals throughout history, including Jemima Wilkinson, an early American preacher who gained notoriety for claiming to be possessed by the spirit of a deceased man, and Jemima Moore, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights advocate.
Overall, Jemima is a charming and distinctive name with a rich history that spans both biblical and literary traditions. Its meaning, "like a dove" or "pleasant," makes it a fitting choice for parents seeking a beautiful and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Jemika has been used consistently but not excessively over the past four decades in the United States. With a total of 44 recorded births between 1979 and 1997, it appears that this name was chosen for around one or two babies each year during those years. The number of newborns with the name Jemika varied slightly from year to year, ranging from five to seven births in any given year. This indicates a steady but modest popularity for the name over time.