Chimène

Chimène is a French female given name. It is derived from the Spanish name Jimena, which itself is believed to originate from the Hebrew name Shimon (שִׁמְעוֹן), meaning "he has heard" or "hearing".

The name is most famously associated with the character Chimène in Pierre Corneille's tragicomedy Le Cid (1637). In the play, Chimène is the daughter of the Count Gormas, who is killed by Rodrigue. Despite her love for Rodrigue, Chimène is bound by duty to avenge her father's death. This internal conflict between love and duty is central to the play's plot and has made Chimène a symbol of tragic love and unwavering commitment to honor.

While the name Chimène saw a period of popularity in France following the success of Le Cid, its usage has since declined. It remains a recognizable name in French-speaking regions due to its literary association. The name is less common outside of French-speaking areas.