Imani
Imani first appears in US records in 1970. It peaked in 1998, when 1,222 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 512.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Imani popular?
Declining Imani is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1998 peak.
| 2020s | 3,534 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 6,672 | |
| 2000s | 8,823 | |
| 1990s | 8,011 | |
| 1980s | 522 | |
| 1970s | 255 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Imani mean?
Swahili, 'faith,' borrowed from Arabic iman. It is one of the seven Kwanzaa principles (nguzo saba). Used for either sex, leaning feminine.
Names like Imani
swahili names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Imani
Popular swahili names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Imani
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Imani mean?
Imani means Faith. Swahili, 'faith,' borrowed from Arabic iman. It is one of the seven Kwanzaa principles (nguzo saba). Used for either sex, leaning feminine.
What is the origin of the name Imani?
Imani is of swahili origin.
How do you pronounce Imani?
Imani is pronounced “ee-MAH-nee.”
Is Imani a boy or a girl name?
Imani is most commonly used as a unisex name.
Is Imani a popular name right now?
Imani is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1998 peak.
How popular is the name Imani?
In 2025, Imani ranked #579 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Imani most popular?
Imani was most popular in 1998, when about 1,222 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Imani?
Names similar to Imani include Amani, Bahati, Baraka, Tumaini.
What names go well with Imani?
swahili names that pair well with Imani include Zuri, Nia, Amani, Sanaa, Jamila.