All about the name
Jamesina
Female
« Jamesina is a rare feminine given name of American origin, derived from the English name James, meaning "supplanter" or "held by the heel", and popularized during the Great Potato Famine in Ireland. It was often given to honor Saint James the Apostle and gained popularity among Irish immigrants in America during the mid-19th century. »
#27764
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Jamesina is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of American origin. It is derived from the English name James, which itself is derived from the Late Latin name Jacobus, meaning "supplanter" or "held by the heel." The name Jamesina is typically associated with Irish culture, as it was popularized during the Great Potato Famine in Ireland during the mid-19th century. However, it has also been used in other English-speaking countries.
The name Jamesina is thought to have first appeared in Ireland around the 1830s or 1840s. It was often given to girls born into Catholic families who wished to honor Saint James the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a patron saint of Spain. The name gained further popularity during the Irish immigration period to America in the mid-19th century.
In American culture, the name Jamesina has been used relatively infrequently compared to its masculine counterpart, James. However, it does appear sporadically throughout history. For example, there was a Jamesina O'Connell (1856-1942), an Irish-American suffragette and labor organizer who played a significant role in the women's rights movement during the late 19th century.
Today, Jamesina remains a rare and distinctive name, often chosen by parents seeking a unique name with historical roots. It can serve as a beautiful and meaningful option for those looking for an uncommon feminine name with a strong cultural heritage.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jamesina since 1880
Total births
89
Total since 1880
Peak year
1968
13 births
in 1974
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years