What does Imogene mean and where does it come from?
Imogene is of Latin origin and was first popularized in the United States in the late 19th century. The name is believed to have been introduced by the American playwright and poet, Edward Eggleston, through his character Imogene in his works. It saw peak popularity in the early 20th century but has
Cultural significance
Imogene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of image.
Peak popularity
Reached #157 in 1927 — currently #518 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Imogene?
Imogene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Imogene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Imogene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Imogene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Imogene Claire
French influence · crisp
Imogene Jane
Literary · strong
Imogene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Imogene right now?
Holding steady — currently #518 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #518 | 1,682 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #523 | 1,662 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #528 | 1,632 | ▲ up 2080 · +2450% births |
| 2020 | #2608 | 64 | ▲ up 1682 · +94% births |
| 2015 | #4290 | 33 | ▲ up 4936 · +175% births |
| 2010 | #9226 | 12 | ▲ up 900 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #10126 | 10 | ▲ up 4906 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #15032 | 5 | ▼ down 4508 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #10524 | 7 | ▲ up 2437 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #12961 | 5 | ▼ down 6638 · -50% births |
| 1980 | #6323 | 10 | ▼ down 1468 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #4855 | 12 | ▼ down 359 |
| 1970 | #4496 | 12 | ▼ down 1890 · -45% births |
| 1965 | #2606 | 22 | ▼ down 1209 · -65% births |
| 1960 | #1397 | 62 | — |
The story of Imogene
Imogene has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 27,620 babies have received this name. Imogene is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Imogene in 1927:
Imogene by decade
Imogene peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 136 | |
| 1890s | 294 | |
| 1900s | 597 | |
| 1910s | 3,690 | |
| 1920s ★ | 11,311 | |
| 1930s | 6,965 | |
| 1940s | 2,455 | |
| 1950s | 1,102 | |
| 1960s | 352 | |
| 1970s | 113 | |
| 1980s | 58 | |
| 1990s | 44 | |
| 2000s | 87 | |
| 2010s | 352 | |
| 2020s | 64 | |
What are good nicknames for Imogene?
What names sound and feel like Imogene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Imogene also consider these
How is Imogene written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Imogene
What does the name Imogene mean?
Imogene means "Image" — a name rooted in American 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 Imogene?
Imogene is currently ranked #518 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 Imogene?
Imogene originates from American tradition. American 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 Imogene?
Imogene is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 M AH0 JH IY2 N. 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 Imogene?
Imogene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.