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Jemimah is a beautiful, timeless name with deep biblical roots and universal appeal. Meaning ‘dove’ or ‘little dove’ in Hebrew, this name carries connotations of peace, gentleness, and beauty. While most famous as one of Job’s daughters in the Old Testament, Jemimah has been embraced across cultures and religions. Its melodic sound and positive symbolism make it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth.
Meaning of Jemimah
Jemimah originates from the Hebrew name יְמִימָה (Yemimah), which directly translates to ‘dove’ or ‘little dove’. The Hebrew root יונה (yonah) means dove, with the suffix -ah creating a diminutive or feminine form. In the biblical context, doves symbolize peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit in Judeo-Christian traditions. The name appears only once in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (Job 42:14) as one of Job’s three exceptionally beautiful daughters, alongside Keziah and Keren-Happuch. This singular biblical reference has preserved the name’s meaning and significance for millennia.
| 📛 Name | Jemimah |
| 💎 Meaning | Dove, Little Dove |
| 👤 Gender | Girl |
| 🕌 Religion | Multi-faith |
| 🌍 Origin | Hebrew |
| 🗣 Pronunciation | jeh-MY-mah |
| ✍️ Urdu | جمیمہ |
| ✍️ Arabic | جميمة |
| 🔢 Numerology | 7 |
| ✨ Spellings | Jemima, Yemimah, Jemimah, Jemimah |
Origin & Cultural Significance
Jemimah’s origin is unequivocally Hebrew and biblical, dating back to the Book of Job, one of the oldest texts in the Hebrew Bible. While the name has Hebrew roots, it has been adopted by English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation when biblical names became popular. The name gained particular prominence among Puritans in the 17th century and has maintained steady usage in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used by Muslims in multicultural contexts, Jemimah is not traditionally an Islamic name and has no specific significance in Quranic or Arabic naming traditions.
Personality Traits
The dove symbolism associated with Jemimah suggests personality traits of gentleness, peacemaking, and intuition. Those named Jemimah are often perceived as diplomatic, compassionate individuals who value harmony in their relationships. The biblical association with exceptional beauty adds an element of grace and aesthetic appreciation. These characteristics combine to create an impression of someone who is both strong in their convictions and gentle in their approach to others.
Similar Names
If you like Jemimah, consider: Jonah, Yonah, Paloma, Columba, Taube
Famous People Named Jemimah
- Jemima Kirke — British-American actress and artist known for her role in 'Girls'
- Jemima Goldsmith — British journalist and activist, former wife of Imran Khan
Frequently Asked Questions About Jemimah
What does Jemimah mean?
Jemimah means 'dove' or 'little dove' in Hebrew. It comes from the Hebrew name Yemimah (יְמִימָה), derived from the root word for dove.
Is Jemimah a boy or girl name?
Jemimah is exclusively a feminine name. In its original biblical context, it was given to one of Job's daughters, and it has been used as a girl's name throughout history.
What is the origin of Jemimah?
Jemimah originates from Hebrew and appears in the Old Testament/Bible as the name of one of Job's daughters. It is a biblical name with Hebrew etymology, not Arabic or Islamic in origin.
