Imela
thank you
Nigerian origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#14473US 2019
6Births / yr
Stable
13All-time births
📅 Since 201700
How to pronounce Imela
IM·EL·uh
/ˈɪm.ˈɛl.ə/ · stress on IM · 3 syllables
thank you
Nigerian origin · Girl name

What does Imela mean and where does it come from?

Imela comes from the Igbo language of Nigeria and expresses gratitude. It is commonly used as a given name in Nigerian culture, often given to girls as a reminder of their family's appreciation of life or in acknowledgment of help received. The name underscores the value placed on gratitude and comm

Cultural significance
Imela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigerian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of thank you.
Peak popularity
Reached #14020 in 2017 — currently #14473 in the US.
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Related Reading
Nigerian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Imela?

Imela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Imela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Imela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Imela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Imela Claire
French influence · crisp
Imela Jane
Literary · strong
Imela Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Imela
Browse ideas →

How popular is Imela right now?

Stable — currently #14473 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192019#14473 · Top 11%
2019
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2019#144736

The story of Imela

Imela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2017. With 13 total births recorded, Imela remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside Imela in 2017:

💎Imela has only 13 total recorded births since 2017 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Imela?

Common
ImeImImieImy

Common questions about the name Imela

What does the name Imela mean?
Imela means "thank you" — a name rooted in Nigerian 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 Imela?
Imela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Imela?
Imela originates from Nigerian tradition. Nigerian 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 Imela?
Imela is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 M EH1 L 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 Imela?
Imela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Nigerian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.