Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Imogen
GirlEnglish· “uncertain; possibly 'maiden'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'maiden' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- IM-uh-jen
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,117
- US babies 2025
- 211
- Best rank
- #1,117 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Imogen
Imogen is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'maiden'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
Imogen is best known from Shakespeare's Cymbeline, where the heroine's name is thought to be a printing error for Innogen. Its origin is uncertain; it may be linked to the Gaelic ingen, 'maiden', but scholars disagree. The name became a favorite in Britain in the twentieth century and has a romantic, literary feel. Imogen pairs well with classic middle names. Immy, Mo and Gen are nicknames, and Imogene is an American variant.
Popularity over time
Imogen first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,117 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 216 were named Imogen. In 2025, 211 babies were named Imogen, and it ranked #1,117 nationally. That is 50% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,769 in 1920, #6,050 in 2000, #1,981 in 2010, and #1,117 in 2025. Of the 3,179 US girls named Imogen since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,158 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sia, Gaia, Ines, Ariela, and Vivianna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Imogen ranked highest in Kansas, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #470 | 7 |
| Oregon | #516 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #538 | 10 |
| Washington | #602 | 11 |
| Minnesota | #624 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Imogen is usually pronounced IM-uh-jen, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with I and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Imogen
A few middle names that flow with Imogen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Imogen
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Lists that include Imogen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Imogen mean?
Imogen is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'maiden'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
What is the origin of the name Imogen?
Imogen has English roots. Imogen is best known from Shakespeare's Cymbeline, where the heroine's name is thought to be a printing error for Innogen.
Is Imogen a popular name?
Not especially. Imogen ranked #1,117 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Imogen a boy or girl name?
Imogen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Imogen?
Imogen is usually pronounced IM-uh-jen. 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