What does Iman mean and where does it come from?
Iman is derived from the Arabic word 'إيمان' which signifies 'faith' or 'belief.' The name is commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries and is increasingly popular in Indonesia and Malaysia due to the Islamic influence in those regions. The name carries with it a strong religious significance, repr
Cultural significance
Iman has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of faith, belief.
Peak popularity
Reached #1044 in 1996 — currently #2276 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Iman?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Iman?
Iman works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Iman Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Iman Rose
Floral · soft ending
Iman Claire
French influence · crisp
Iman Jane
Literary · strong
Iman Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Iman right now?
Falling — down 417 spots — currently #2276 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2276 | 81 | ▼ down 417 · -26% births |
| 2022 | #1859 | 109 | ▲ up 378 · +31% births |
| 2021 | #2237 | 83 | ▼ down 384 · -20% births |
| 2020 | #1853 | 104 | ▲ up 72 · -1% births |
| 2015 | #1925 | 105 | ▼ down 45 · -3% births |
| 2010 | #1880 | 108 | ▼ down 359 · -21% births |
| 2005 | #1521 | 136 | ▼ down 360 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #1161 | 174 | ▲ up 34 · +21% births |
| 1995 | #1195 | 144 | ▲ up 390 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #1585 | 96 | ▲ up 459 · +81% births |
| 1985 | #2044 | 53 | ▲ up 605 · +47% births |
| 1980 | #2649 | 36 | ▲ up 4404 · +350% births |
| 1975 | #7053 | 8 | — |
The story of Iman
Iman is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 5,749 total births recorded, Iman remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7053 in 1975 to #2276 in 2023. Iman is used for both genders: 81% female and 19% male.
Names that peaked alongside Iman in 1996:
Iman by decade
Iman peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 188 | |
| 1980s | 612 | |
| 1990s | 1,635 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,786 | |
| 2010s | 1,374 | |
| 2020s | 154 | |
💎With 5,749 total births, Iman is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Iman?
Famous people named Iman
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Iman (historical Arab ruler)
Iman held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Iman (Quranic figure)
Iman appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
I(
Iman (Islamic scholar)
Iman bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
I(
Iman (Quranic figure)
Iman appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Iman?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Iman also consider these
How is Iman written in other languages?
إيمان
Arabic), ایمان (Persian
Common questions about the name Iman
What does the name Iman mean?
Iman means "faith, belief" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Iman?
Iman is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Iman?
Iman originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Iman?
Iman is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 M AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Iman a common or rare name?
Iman is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.