Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Imani
GirlSwahili, Arabic· “faith”
- Meaning
- faith
- Origin
- Swahili, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ih-MAH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #579
- US babies 2025
- 512
- Best rank
- #239 (1996)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Imani
Imani is a Swahili and Arabic name that means “faith”.
Imani is a Swahili word meaning faith, borrowed from the Arabic iman, belief. In the United States it is known as one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the holiday created by Maulana Karenga, where Imani stands for faith and is celebrated on the final day. As a given name it became popular among African American families in the late twentieth century. Imani has a graceful, three-syllable rhythm and a meaning that many parents find inspiring. It is used for both girls and boys, though mostly for girls.
Popularity over time
Imani first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #239 in 1996, and the most babies received it in 1998, when 1,222 were named Imani. In 2025, 512 babies were named Imani, and it ranked #579 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,550 in 1980, #304 in 2000, #372 in 2010, and #579 in 2025. Of the 27,817 US girls named Imani since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 8,011 babies. Since 2010, 10,206 more have been named Imani.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alissa, Shayla, Tatyana, Mikaela, and Guadalupe.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Imani ranked highest in Mississippi, Georgia, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #173 | 15 |
| Georgia | #285 | 36 |
| Nevada | #307 | 9 |
| Louisiana | #313 | 15 |
| Maryland | #366 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Imani over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Imani is usually pronounced ih-MAH-nee, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with I and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Imani
A few middle names that flow with Imani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Imani
Similar names
Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
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Jelani Unisex
juh-LAH-nee
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juh-MEE-luh
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Malaika Girl
mah-LY-kuh
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Aaliyah Girl
ah-LEE-uh
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Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
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Fatima Girl
FAH-tih-muh
“one who weans; abstaining” · Arabic
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Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
“from the Italian surname; army man” · Italian
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Alani Girl
uh-LAH-nee
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Samara Girl
suh-MAHR-uh
Hebrew
#320
Amina Girl
ah-MEE-nuh
“trustworthy, faithful” · Arabic
#315
Kehlani Girl
keh-LAH-nee
“often said to mean 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
#149
Lists that include Imani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Imani mean?
Imani is a Swahili and Arabic name that means “faith”.
What is the origin of the name Imani?
Imani has Swahili and Arabic roots. Imani is a Swahili word meaning faith, borrowed from the Arabic iman, belief.
Is Imani a popular name?
Yes. Imani ranked #579 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Imani a boy or girl name?
Imani is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Imani over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Imani?
Imani is usually pronounced ih-MAH-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings