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Original poster

What names would you suggest if we like Matilda and Jemima?

92 replies

Fairytalebloom · 04/10/2026 07:52

Hiya,
I was wondering if you could help us name our daughter who was born yesterday. Our two favourite names are Jemima and Matilda.
However, we lived in America for 5 years before moving back to the UK and have lots of friends over there and so I worry about the racist connotations of Jemima.
I also think Matilda is really popular and so that puts me off that one slightly!
Any other ideas are very welcome please!
Thank you x

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Giraffehaver · 04/10/2026 23:39

I have a Jemima so obviously love it. We call her Mimsy for short whilst she's too young to complain!

IHaveQuestionsLotsOfQuestions · 04/10/2026 23:38

Cecily

DoreenCorkhill · 04/10/2026 22:29

Lois
Seraphina
Constance
Nancy
Dulcie
Innes

MCF86 · 04/10/2026 16:05

I've known a fair few Matildas, but not so many recently (work in a school), only one year group (3) currently has more than one in, and we are 3 form entry. I don't think there are any in reception or year 1.

cheapskatemum · 04/10/2026 16:00

My first thought was Cressida, which no one else has mentioned. I love Matilda & Jemima too. I’ve only known one other Matilda, who would be in her late 20s now. Jemima was Job’s daughter in the Bible. Her sisters were Kezia & Karen.

TheAutumnCrow · 04/10/2026 15:40

Jacquetta

BreatheAndFocus · 04/10/2026 15:39

Just to add that I don’t think the name Jemima itself is racist. It’s the Aunt bit. It’s similar to Uncle Ben’s, and that changed its name, but still kept the Ben bit because that’s not the issue:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54269358

Uncle Ben's rice box

Uncle Ben's rice changes name to more 'equitable' brand

Products will be labelled Ben's Original and will no longer show the bow-tied black man on packaging.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54269358

BreatheAndFocus · 04/10/2026 15:35

Lucinda
Isabella
Henrietta
Harriet
Petronella
Jessica
Rebecca
Arabella
Florence
Francesca

Hellorainyday · 04/10/2026 14:02

Vivienne
Hazel

Excellentsausages · 04/10/2026 13:59

I'd go with Matilda, popular names aren't as popular as they were back in the day, there's a lot more name variety. I love Anna too.

Other ideas:
Marianna
Lilianna
Julianna
Philippa
Claudia
Julia
Rosalind
Felicity
Verity
Miriam
Lydia
Edith
Meredith
Dorothea
Naomi
Madeleine
Adelaide
Martha
Charlotte
Maria
Cecily/Cecilia
Cordelia
Elena

emptygoosenest · 04/10/2026 13:40

Tabitha was my first thought.

Ophy83 · 04/10/2026 13:27

According to Google, 1 in 180 girls are named Matilda, so depending on the size of the primary school that is on average only 1 - 3 per school.

Ophy83 · 04/10/2026 13:27

According to Google, 1 in 180 girls are named Matilda, so depending on the size of the primary school that is on average only 1 - 3 per school.

LoudPlumDog · 04/10/2026 13:27

Daisy
Polly
Scarlett
Chloe
Tessa
Ivy
Zoe
Emma
Hayley

OliviaBonas · 04/10/2026 13:21

Matilda is a beautiful name. Also love Anna as it’s classic.

Ophelia
Talitha

Mumofgirls2017 · 04/10/2026 13:16

Beatrice
violet
penelope
delilah
juliet
annabelle
tabitha
henrietta
theodora
tallulah
harriet
ottilie
dorothy
clementine
eliza
eloise
clara
helena
marigold

Myoldbear · 04/10/2026 12:57

Go with Matilda; it's lovely!

Mandarinaduck · 04/10/2026 12:54

Fairytalebloom · 04/10/2026 12:09

Hiya,
Thank you so much for all these suggestions! I can’t believe how many names you’ve all come up with.
The most common suggestion seems to be Tabitha but I’m not really a fan sadly although I can see why people think it’s similar.
I like Anna but worry it’s a bit boring??
Also quite like @Maybeitllneverhappen suggestion of Rosanna but I’m worried she’ll become a Rosie.
Do you think Matilda being popular would be really annoying for her? I still do love it.

My DD has a very popular name - there are always several in her year group - it has never bothered her and she loves her name.

Lisanne55 · 04/10/2026 12:38

Amelia
Emilia
Anthea
Jessica
Lucinda
Lucille

If you like Anna, what about Anya or Emma or Clara?

Lucy-Anna/Lucianna?

Calliopespa · 04/10/2026 12:29

I'm not sure Matilda is any more popular than plenty of other names atm.

MrsBeltane · 04/10/2026 12:28

Claudia
Tallulah

BrandiedAromatics · 04/10/2026 12:27

Fairytalebloom · 04/10/2026 12:09

Hiya,
Thank you so much for all these suggestions! I can’t believe how many names you’ve all come up with.
The most common suggestion seems to be Tabitha but I’m not really a fan sadly although I can see why people think it’s similar.
I like Anna but worry it’s a bit boring??
Also quite like @Maybeitllneverhappen suggestion of Rosanna but I’m worried she’ll become a Rosie.
Do you think Matilda being popular would be really annoying for her? I still do love it.

I worked with someone with a Matilda - she very thoughtfully said that it suited her, so was still. pleased with her choice 12 years later Go for it, OP! and very warm congratulations.

Calliopespa · 04/10/2026 12:27

Tabitha or Lucinda.

What on earth are the racist vibes with Jemima? Jemima Puddle-duck?!!

RowsOfFlowers · 04/10/2026 12:27

Madeleine? Emmeline? Rosalind?

viques · 04/10/2026 12:18

I forgot to put Nancy on the list, such a fun and pretty name and always makes me think of bold adventurous girls!