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Help[Opinions] Jemima
I'm in love with the name Jemima, it meets all of our requirements (flows well with Garnet as a MN, is a Hebrew name and has a cute nn (Jemma!) but I'm a little concerned that people will think me racist if I use it. I didn't even know it had a racial stereotype until DH told me, to me the name is all Jemima Puddle-duck, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and syrup...
Do you think Jemima is too racially loaded for a girl in the US?
Do you think Jemima is too racially loaded for a girl in the US?
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I have never actually met a Jemima. It's probably where I live, which is the Northwest of the US. When I first saw it spelt I kind of forgot how it was pronounced, but then I remembered Jemima puddle duck, and when I read syrup it took me a moment to remember Aunt Jemima syrup. I have never had Aunt Jemima syrup or known anyone who uses it. Most people I know around here either use A grade maple syrup or Mrs. Butterworth. I think Jemima is cute and goes very well with Oliver. I don't know how it is in Ohio, but I don't think many where I live would think badly of the name Jemima.
Also I was just curious what Oliver's middle name is.
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Also I was just curious what Oliver's middle name is.
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This message was edited 3/12/2007, 2:01 AM
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His middle name is Joseph...it met our requirements for a Hebrew name and went well with Oliver and started with a "J" in honour of DH's father.
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I love this name too! It's so pretty, but my DH has said no to it, unfortunatly. All I think of when I hear it is Jemima Puddle-duck aswell.
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I love this name, but like you I live in the U.S. and I worry about the cultural/racial connotations of using the name. I used to think maybe it would be possible to get away with, but after a thread we had discussing this name fairly recently, I'm definitely not so sure. :-/
Here it is. It might give you more insight into how many people on this board (esp those of us in the U.S.) feel about using this name:
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/arcview.php?id=804642&board=baby
How about maybe just using Jemma or Gemma?
Here it is. It might give you more insight into how many people on this board (esp those of us in the U.S.) feel about using this name:
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/arcview.php?id=804642&board=baby
How about maybe just using Jemma or Gemma?
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Thanks for linking to that. :-)
I hoped I wouldn't have to type out that explanation again. I still stand by what I said then.
I hoped I wouldn't have to type out that explanation again. I still stand by what I said then.
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Thanks for the link.
We have thought about Gemma, but Gemma Garnet is to matchy for my taste (since garnet is a gem) and we would have to find a third name for a Hebrew name.
I also kind of agree with Clara, that by naming a white child Jemima, I would be going against the stereotype. We also live in Ohio, so I think the only association here is with the brand name...
I have lots of food for thought though, thanks!
We have thought about Gemma, but Gemma Garnet is to matchy for my taste (since garnet is a gem) and we would have to find a third name for a Hebrew name.
I also kind of agree with Clara, that by naming a white child Jemima, I would be going against the stereotype. We also live in Ohio, so I think the only association here is with the brand name...
I have lots of food for thought though, thanks!
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I love Jemima, and plan on using it as my first daughter Xanthe's second middle name because it honours my dad- Xanthe Lyric Jemima.
But then, I live in Australia, where the name has no racial stereotypes attached to it. I don't know how strong this is in the US, but I think if you love it, use it, and it goes perfectly with Oliver. Its a tough call, and I think only you can decide if the stereotype is important to you.
Good luck :)
But then, I live in Australia, where the name has no racial stereotypes attached to it. I don't know how strong this is in the US, but I think if you love it, use it, and it goes perfectly with Oliver. Its a tough call, and I think only you can decide if the stereotype is important to you.
Good luck :)
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I think Clara's right...
If you use it, you show that you don't care about the old racial stereotype and that's good; that's the kind of thinking that helps put those old stereotypes to rest. That said, it's a gorgeous, gorgeous name.
If you use it, you show that you don't care about the old racial stereotype and that's good; that's the kind of thinking that helps put those old stereotypes to rest. That said, it's a gorgeous, gorgeous name.
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If you asked me five or ten years ago, I would have said yes. Now I think it would be okay.
I love the name, too, btw.
I love the name, too, btw.
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Name Associations are a horrible thing. When my cousin Deirdre was pregnant, every name we ran by her reminded her of something she didn't like. She finally settled on Keira. But just because Velma reminds everyone of Scooby-Doo doesn't mean I'll like it any less. If you're white, and you name your child Jemima, obviously it would show you DON'T care about the mammy stereotype. I say go for it.
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Lol, the syrup is the source of the racial stereotype. The old Aunt Jemima was a mammy stereotype. I do like the name, and think it's due for a revival here...seeing as it's already quite common in England, and so many names (your son's, for example) that are popular in England are popping up in the U.S. Anyhow, I would run the name by family & friends...see if they leap to the Aunt Jemima association, and if they think that can be overcome.
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