What does Imani mean and where does it come from?
Imani is a traditional Swahili name that has gained popularity beyond East African countries. It emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in various cultures, and it is often used in among African American communities as a symbol of heritage. Famous bearer includes Imani Coppola, an American si
Cultural significance
Imani has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Kenya-speaking communities, where it reflects values of faith.
Peak popularity
Reached #239 in 1996 — currently #476 in the US.
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Related Reading
Kenya-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Imani?
Imani works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Imani Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Imani Rose
Floral · soft ending
Imani Mae
Sweet · timeless
Imani Claire
French influence · crisp
Imani Jane
Literary · strong
Imani Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Imani right now?
Rising — up 27 spots — currently #476 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #476 | 647 | ▲ up 27 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #503 | 627 | ▲ up 28 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #531 | 582 | ▼ down 8 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #523 | 574 | ▲ up 10 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #533 | 583 | ▼ down 162 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #371 | 861 | ▲ up 41 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #412 | 757 | ▼ down 108 · -28% births |
| 2000 | #304 | 1,051 | ▼ down 38 · +2% births |
| 1995 | #266 | 1,034 | ▲ up 670 · +409% births |
| 1990 | #936 | 203 | ▲ up 1756 · +464% births |
| 1985 | #2692 | 36 | ▼ down 103 · -3% births |
| 1980 | #2589 | 37 | ▲ up 373 · +48% births |
| 1975 | #2962 | 25 | ▲ up 3380 · +213% births |
| 1970 | #6342 | 8 | — |
The story of Imani
Imani is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. A total of 25,979 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6342 in 1970 to #476 in 2023. Imani is used for both genders: 96% female and 4% male.
Names that peaked alongside Imani in 1996:
Imani by decade
Imani peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 328 | |
| 1980s | 605 | |
| 1990s | 8,412 | |
| 2000s ★ | 9,109 | |
| 2010s | 6,919 | |
| 2020s | 606 | |
What are good nicknames for Imani?
What names sound and feel like Imani?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Imani also consider these
How is Imani written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Imani
What does the name Imani mean?
Imani means "Faith" — a name rooted in Kenya 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 Imani?
Imani is currently ranked #476 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Imani have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Imani?
Imani originates from Kenya tradition. Kenya names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Imani?
Imani pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Kenya heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Imani trending right now?
Imani is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.