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Baby names

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

Original poster

Jemima for a girl?

31 replies

lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 19:56

Older brother is a Benjamin. What do you think? Any other ideas for boys or girls welcomed.

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Original poster
lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 21:39

Maybe another thread is best to discuss it.

OP posts:
GreyhoundG1rl · 06/07/2021 21:37

@lollyandaboy

Because it’s a caricature, it’s right there in her post. It says ‘a racist caricature of a black woman.’
But I've seen the package. It's just a line drawing?
Original poster
lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 21:36

Because it’s a caricature, it’s right there in her post. It says ‘a racist caricature of a black woman.’

OP posts:
Germolenequeen · 06/07/2021 21:36

I made a rag doll as part of my Norland Nursery Nurse training course & named her Jemima so I'm conflicted on this 🙈

GreyhoundG1rl · 06/07/2021 21:35

@Buttons294749

According to Google there is some sort of maple syrup called "aunt jemima' that has a racist caricature of a black woman on it. Said company is removing the picture.

I dont think this will be a problem

Why is a picture of a black woman considered racist?
JaquelineBean · 06/07/2021 21:34

The racist connection is to do with the American aunt Jemima’s pancake mix, which featured a large woman of colour on its branding.

Original poster
lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 21:33

Sorry I meant Beatrix potter not a bad thing. Obviously racism is a bad thing Blush

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Original poster
lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 21:33

I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing I must admit. Like Thomas and Luke or Noah and Jacob.

OP posts:
Buttons294749 · 06/07/2021 21:32

According to Google there is some sort of maple syrup called "aunt jemima' that has a racist caricature of a black woman on it. Said company is removing the picture.

I dont think this will be a problem

NeepNeepNeep · 06/07/2021 21:31

I had completely forgotten about Sweet Valley High! I think the Beatrix Potter connection with Jemima/Benjamin would be stronger these days.

Avoidance · 06/07/2021 21:28

I like them both as full names however Ben & Jem are a bit Samey for me

Buttons294749 · 06/07/2021 21:27

Jemima is lovely.

I know a gemma who has renamed herself that!

Original poster
lollyandaboy · 06/07/2021 21:25

Why is it racist? I quite like Jessica but it does make me think of the Wakefield twin.

Any boy names also welcome. (Not Peter!)

OP posts:
GreyhoundG1rl · 06/07/2021 21:22

@rantymcrantface66

It's all a bit beatrix potter with both names, sorry 😬
This...
Houserenoqueen · 06/07/2021 21:21

Love it (was on my list)

toastofthetown · 06/07/2021 21:20

Not my cup of tea, but it's been steadily popular for long enough that that's probably just taste. I'd echo the racist associations of the name in the US as well.

rantymcrantface66 · 06/07/2021 21:10

@NewallKnowall

I love it (may be biased too..)

My only reservation would be Benjamin (Bunny) and Jemima (Puddleduck) from Beatrix Potter but few people would make that connection I think, and if they do it's a nice one!

I'd have thought everyone would make the connection seeing Peter rabbit is a huge hit both as a series on cbeebies and on the big screen in cinema currently
NeepNeepNeep · 06/07/2021 21:10

Jessica has a similar vibe.

NeepNeepNeep · 06/07/2021 21:09

I think it's too similar to Benjamin maybe but is a lovely name.

rantymcrantface66 · 06/07/2021 21:09

It's all a bit beatrix potter with both names, sorry 😬

JaquelineBean · 06/07/2021 21:08

I’m also biased!

Mines in her 20s now, but it’s been a great little girls name, as well as a now slightly unusual-but not totally wierd- name as an adult. And it’s memorable for her in a performing arts profession.

Abracadabra12345 · 06/07/2021 21:07

Jemima

Abracadabra12345 · 06/07/2021 21:06

My friends have just had a little Jemina

NewallKnowall · 06/07/2021 21:02

I love it (may be biased too..)

My only reservation would be Benjamin (Bunny) and Jemima (Puddleduck) from Beatrix Potter but few people would make that connection I think, and if they do it's a nice one!

welshsoph · 06/07/2021 21:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.