Imani Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Imani has its roots in Swahili, meaning 'faith' or 'belief'. It has evolved from its original form in Swahili to be used in modern English. The name reflects positive traits such as trust and confidence. It does not have a biblical background. Imani gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in African American communities. Variants include Iman and Yamani, and it is currently viewed as a name of strength and significance.
The name Imani is most popular in District of Columbia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Imani has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Imani' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4482nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2896th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3122nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3261st out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3536th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 643rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 340th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 523rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Imani' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Imani"
Pronunciation
/ɪˈmɑːni/
Origin
Swahili
Etymology
Imani is derived from the Swahili word for 'faith' or 'belief'. It is often associated with the concept of having trust or confidence.
Meaning
faith, belief
Language Evolution
Imani (Swahili), Imani (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Imani gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, especially among African Americans, influenced by the cultural significance of names in the African diaspora.
Variants & Derivatives
Iman, Yamani
Modern Popularity & Image
Imani is perceived as a strong and meaningful name, often associated with positive traits such as faith and resilience. It remains popular in various communities.
Famous People
Imani Walker, an American television personality, Imani Uzuri, an American singer and songwriter
Explore More Imani Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Imani"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Imani"
"Imani" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4482nd of 10718 | 85 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2896th of 16616 | 327 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3122nd of 24088 | 519 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3261st of 23106 | 422 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3536th of 19264 | 292 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 643rd of 27321 | 5,054 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 340th of 35406 | 14,742 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 523rd of 30306 | 7,208 |
Regional Popularity of "Imani" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
40.20% 1799th/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
38.17% 2411th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
46.48% 2400th/5164 |
56.82% 4155th/7313 |
46.74% 3488th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
71.34% 2842nd/3984 |
- |
49.15% 3353rd/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Imani" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
100.00% 2937th/2937 |
52.66% 1834th/3483 |
95.37% 3355th/3518 |
61.62% 2492nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
19.62% 723rd/3685 |
9.25% 414th/4475 |
12.24% 636th/5194 |
15.39% 972nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.90% 408th/4582 |
3.95% 204th/5164 |
4.05% 296th/7313 |
8.67% 647th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.01% 598th/3984 |
11.32% 508th/4487 |
6.19% 422nd/6822 |
12.08% 758th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Imani"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Imani" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.