Jemima

[HungLikeAPeg]

Yay, nay?

[CamdenLurker]

I have a teenager named Jemima, to my knowledge shes never had any comments about Jemima Puddleduck or golden syrup. I think Jemma is an 80's name, and would never have even considered it.

I still really like the name and so does dd, it's not too common and is a pretty and feminine name.

[Lobsterquadrille2]

It was top of my list when DD was born 23 years ago, but my colleagues told me it was too associated with slavery - I was living and working on a small island off the coast of the US. So I didn't use it. I still love the name.

[partyatthepalace]

I really like it - quirky and substantial, unusual but not odd.

I knew a Jemima when I was in the US and don’t remember anyone commenting on her name. So I really wouldn’t worry about that.

[IamnotwhouthinkIam]

Jemima's nice enough - has slightly upper class vibes to me (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). I prefer the sound of the similar style Tabitha or Susannah, but again just personal taste. I like the Puddleduck connection for Jemima though (same way I love the cat reference for Tabitha!)

[IHateCoronavirus]

Beyond pretty.

[EdgeOfACoin]

I like Jemima. The puddle duck is a cute connection.

Aunt Jemima syrup is being rebranded in the States.

[Whatshouldicallme]

Was coming to warn you about the American connection, but see you are aware. If there's a chance you/she may end up in America in the nearish future, the name at the moment is wholly tied to the syrup and pancakes. Not just because of the recent controversy but also because it's just a very rarely used name there -- so if you say Jemima people will automatically think "Aunt" because that's the only place they've heard it used. It is different to Uncle Ben in that way because Ben is a very popular name so most people would not automatically think of the brand.

That said, Jemima is a nice name and I think fine to use in the UK where those connections don't exist. As others have said, they are changing the name of the brand so even American children of your child's generation are unlikely to make that association in the future even if the older generations still do.

[Dimpley]

I know one and everyone calls her Mima

[ShulamithFirestone]

Dreadful, whiny name.

[waterlego]

I really like it but I don’t like Jemma. Not sure how easy it is to influence nicknames as they probably tend to evolve naturally from peers/other family etc.

[Bee44]

I love it! I've only known one little Jemima and she was lovely. Her nicknames were Jemmy, Jem and Mimi.

[Whenwillow]

I love it!

[tinysockseverywhere]

This is my name. Mine is spelt Jemimah. I'm in my late 20's. I can honestly say no one has mentioned aunt jemima to me or said I have a racist name I have a fair few American friends and it has never come up!

As for puddleduck, yes I do get that, but it's never bothered me.

I mainly get Mimah or Jem or variations thereof from family and friends. It's a versatile name which I like! I didn't love it when I was in secondary school, didn't think it suited me, I'm working class northern and it felt a bit 'posh' for me but love it now that I'm an adult! I've only met 2 other Jemimah's so it's not very common but I believe it's on the rise! Go for it... it's a great name

[katieg03]

It's my middle name and I honestly hate it. Sorry! I'm 36 and Beatrix potter was so fashionable then. When I got married I didn't want middle names in the service. But on little girls I think it's kind of cute.

[PolarnOPirate]

I may have started the same thread 5 years ago, the Aunt Jemima thing really put me off! Likelihood is she’ll go to the states and people will be Love the name though!! I know a Jemima/Mimi.

[Pancakesforbrekkie]

LOVE it!! Its beautiful. I like Mima for short.

[MissLucyEyelesbarrow]

I'm not a fan personally, as I find it twee, but I wouldn't let the Aunt Jemima thing put you off. It's a patronising old stereotype that has been kept alive by the brand, but the brand has already renamed itself. I suspect the negative connotations will fade quite quickly and won't be known to your DD's generation.

[catatecheese]

Lovely name
Interestingly The American syrup brand has recently re branded following BLM etc and is dropping the aunt Jemima name. So don't let that put you off! I also believe uncle Ben may be also dropping the uncle bed name.
Interestingly the name Ben has never been seen as racist?

Anyway its a beautiful name so use it!

[Whatsyourflava]

So glad you love the name @HungLikeAPeg

A great choice. And yes you're bound to overthink, it's normal. It's a great name though and one you'll really regret not using I imagine

[SionnachRua]

Oh god I think it's easily one of the worst names going.
Puddleduck, that problematic American syrup, uptight and prissy sounding. Just no on every front.

[Ilikegherkins]

Love it. It reminds me of Jemima from Chitty Chitty Bang bang. Had my son been a girl he would have been Jemima so the cat got it instead.

[brokengate]

Love it. Was number one for both my daughters. However when I saw them it didnt suit at all. I still love it though.

[campion]

It's a lovely name and, as you say, if you try hard enough there'll be a negative connection to any name.
Go with your gut feeling as the more you ask the more confused you'll be.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Love it.
I didn't want more children so I named one of my cats it instead!
I call her Mima or Mimes.

[alexdgr8]

Puddleduck.
so no. comic connotations. give her a serious name. some dignity.