What does Imara mean and where does it come from?
Imara is a feminine given name of Swahili origin, meaning 'strong' or 'resolute'. This name is primarily used in East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, reflecting the strength and resilience of women within the community. The name has gained popularity among parents looking for empowerin
Cultural significance
Imara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong, resolute.
Peak popularity
Reached #4786 in 2016 — currently #2991 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Imara?
Imara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Imara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Imara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Imara Mae
Sweet · timeless
Imara Claire
French influence · crisp
Imara Jane
Literary · strong
Imara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Imara right now?
Rising fast — up 1003 spots — currently #2991 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2991 | 56 | ▲ up 1003 · +51% births |
| 2022 | #3994 | 37 | ▼ down 166 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #3828 | 39 | ▲ up 3178 · +144% births |
| 2020 | #7006 | 16 | ▼ down 440 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #6566 | 19 | ▲ up 1914 · +36% births |
| 2010 | #8480 | 14 | ▼ down 1443 · -18% births |
| 2005 | #7037 | 17 | ▲ up 23 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #7060 | 15 | ▲ up 946 · +36% births |
| 1995 | #8006 | 11 | ▲ up 2137 · +38% births |
| 1990 | #10143 | 8 | — |
The story of Imara
Imara is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 478 total births recorded, Imara remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10143 in 1990 to #2991 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Imara in 2016:
Imara by decade
Imara peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 102 | |
| 2000s | 169 | |
| 2010s ★ | 191 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎Imara has only 478 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Imara?
What names sound and feel like Imara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Imara also consider these
Common questions about the name Imara
What does the name Imara mean?
Imara means "strong, resolute" — a name rooted in Swahili 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 Imara?
Imara is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Imara have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Imara?
Imara originates from Swahili tradition. Swahili 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 Imara?
Imara is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 M AE1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Imara?
Imara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.