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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Jemima

55 replies

HungLikeAPeg · 22/02/2021 10:17

Yay, nay?

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HazelWong · 22/02/2021 17:03

@HungLikeAPeg

I just found out from behindthename.com that Aunt Jemima is a HUGE and controversial brand of syrup in America. Should this put me off or is that silly? Surely you could find a reason not to go with just about any name right.?
How controversial can syrup get?
Original poster
HungLikeAPeg · 22/02/2021 17:01

@villamariavintrapp I've had similar fears but after reading these comments and having a cuppa I'm pretty sure I'm overreacting. It is a real shame when companies/individuals with ill intentions create unpleasant associations to a name. I did a deep dive and they were inspired to use Jemima after an absolutely appalling minstrel song about a Jemima character. There is another minstrel song called O Susanna and yet another called Miss Lucy Long. I'm sure the list goes on and the names used are endless. I'm English and happy we have the Puddleduck connection instead and have decided that unless the name is Adolf or Fanny it's a bit ridiculous to worry about negative associations - hormones. I've also already found 3 much more admirable Jemima connections in Jemima Parry-Jones, Jemima Osunde and Jemima Blackburn. Shall stick to being reasonable and positive moving forward haha and am 90% set on Jemima.

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 22/02/2021 16:54

I absolutely love it. I really wanted it for Dd but DH vetoed it for no apparent reason.

sorryforswearing · 22/02/2021 16:50

Makes me immediately think of Puddle duck and the Play School doll so it would be a no from me I’m afraid.

JaquelineBeanstalk · 22/02/2021 16:49

Biased as I have one (grown up now)!

i chose it because biblical, means dove in Hebrew, liked the Play School and Beatrix Potter connection, also Jemima Goldsmith (then Khan) and Jemima Shore detective as growed up examples. It's also one of the Cats in the ALW musical.

NNs Mima, Mimes, Jemz and she now uses MYMA as a professional stage name.

LynetteScavo · 22/02/2021 16:41

I had no idea it wouldn't work on the US - I love it and think it's under used. DH said no because he remembers the Play School character.

xHeartinacagex · 22/02/2021 16:39

Not keen. Makes me think of puddleduck. Jemma I stead?

Muskox · 22/02/2021 16:38

Lovely name.

BallsToYouSue · 22/02/2021 16:37

It would not work in the states obviously, but think it's fine in the UK.

villamariavintrapp · 22/02/2021 16:31

The racist connotations would put me off, might be ok in UK, but what if she wants to live elsewhere?

Whatsyourflava · 22/02/2021 13:36

It's a biblical name isn't it? Lots of history behind it
I love it

You can find a problem with any name. And what's wrong with Puddleduck anyway?
Peter Rabbit association doesn't worry anyone

A great name

Adulting2021 · 22/02/2021 13:31

I really like it. But strongly dislike Jemma as a NN it would need to be Mimi for me

Ohnomoreno · 22/02/2021 12:52

I like it. Would you shorten to Gemma? What about Jessica either.

Edenember · 22/02/2021 12:51

It’s not to my personal taste but if I heard it on a little Jemima I’d think it was cool (but not weird) and classy.

Neolara · 22/02/2021 12:48

I love it. (I have a DS called Jem).

bridgetreilly · 22/02/2021 12:46

It's a biblical name so it long pre-dates both Aunt Jemima and Jemima Puddleduck. I think it's lovely and in the UK, the worst that will happen is people sending her Jemima Puddleduck books and toys as a little girl. Which is lovely.

ZebraKid71 · 22/02/2021 12:40

I grew up in the States so the aunt jemima thing would definitely put me off.

That said, I doubt it would be a huge issue in the UK. I know two little Jemimas, one goes by Mimi and the other by Jimmy.

GingerBiscuit21 · 22/02/2021 12:25

Yes the puddle duck reference will follow her her whole life.

The Aunt Jemima thing is coming out of the BLM movement - and I don't think will be remembered in 20yrs.

Personally I'd prefer to go with Jemma thank Jemima but it's your choice.

GreenEyedDevil · 22/02/2021 12:22

It’s lovely

starbrightstarlight8888 · 22/02/2021 12:20

I immediately thought of puddleduck but I'm not sure children her age would make that association

RuthW · 22/02/2021 12:15

Lovely

Original poster
HungLikeAPeg · 22/02/2021 11:59

Thanks all - overthinking things I think

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Original poster
HungLikeAPeg · 22/02/2021 11:59

Aw wonderful to read this feedback Smile

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BoujiePeach · 22/02/2021 11:55

Jemima Mimi was on my list! Love it

SorryPardonWhat · 22/02/2021 11:02

Yes love it. Jem as a nn is fab too. Don't be put off by the American syrup!

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