Imo

“Igbo”

Nigeria origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1724US 2023

476Births / yr

→Stable

908All-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Imo

EYE·EM·OH

/ˈaɪ.ˈɛm.ˈoʊ/ · stress on EYE · 2 syllables

“Igbo”

Nigeria origin · Unisex name

What does Imo mean and where does it come from?

Imo is of Igbo origin, a language spoken in Nigeria. In the Igbo culture, the name reflects a hope for tranquility and harmony in life. It is a relatively uncommon name outside of Nigeria but could also have familial or regional significance for those of Igbo descent. The name may also be connected

Cultural significance

Imo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigeria-speaking communities, where it reflects values of igbo.

Peak popularity

Reached #791 in 1885 — currently #1724 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Imo?

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

Imo Grace

How popular is Imo right now?

Holding steady — currently #1724 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1724 · Top 1.3%

1885

1890

1895

1900

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1724	476	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1729	456	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1734	426	▲ up 1441 · +4633% births
1945	#3175	9	▼ down 840 · -31% births
1940	#2335	13	▼ down 538 · -32% births
1935	#1797	19	▼ down 323 · -32% births
1930	#1474	28	▲ up 388 · +27% births
1925	#1862	22	▼ down 300 · -21% births
1920	#1562	28	▲ up 854 · +133% births
1915	#2416	12	▼ down 427 · +71% births
1910	#1989	7	▼ down 715 · -30% births
1900	#1274	10	▼ down 350 · -23% births
1895	#924	13	▲ up 149 · +63% births
1890	#1073	8	▼ down 282 · -11% births
1885	#791	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Imo

Best Year1900Rank #1274

Peak Count476

Average Rank#1923

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202312 years

The story of Imo

Imo has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 908 total births recorded, Imo remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #791 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1724 in 2023. Imo is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Imo in 1885:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Imo by decade

Imo peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	31
1890s	77
1900s	75
1910s	156
1920s ★	286
1930s	191
1940s	68
1950s	19
1980s	5

💎Imo has only 908 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Imo?

Common

ImImieImy

What names sound and feel like Imo?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Imo also consider these

Imon

India · beloved

Imoh

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Immo

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Finnish-speaking countries · To honor God

Common questions about the name Imo

What does the name Imo mean?

Imo means "Igbo" — a name rooted in Nigeria 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 Imo?

Imo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Imo?

Imo originates from Nigeria tradition. Nigeria 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 Imo?

Imo is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 EH1 M OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Imo a common or rare name?

Imo is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.