Imani
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Imani
Another strong Arabic name, related to Iman. Imani one is popular throughout the Muslim world but especially East Africa. It was chosen for her daughter by actress Jasmine Guy.
Imani for boys#3014 US
Imani is a name with African origins, primarily associated with Swahili culture, meaning "faith" or "belief." While traditionally used for both genders in East Africa, it has become more commonly used for girls in Western countries, making its use as a masculine name distinctive. The name carries spiritual significance across multiple cultures, including connections to Islamic traditions. Imani has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. Its meaningful association with faith and conviction gives it spiritual depth while remaining accessible and modern-sounding. As a masculine name, Imani offers a unique option that combines cultural richness with a gentle strength. The name has gained some recognition in the United States since the 1990s, particularly through its association with the Kwanzaa celebration.
Pronounced ih-MAH-nee.
As of October 2026, Imani ranked #579 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #239 in 1996.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #500 | 626 | #4,760 | 20 |
| 2015 | #533 | 584 | #4,947 | 19 |
| 2016 | #543 | 576 | #4,139 | 25 |
| 2017 | #541 | 573 | #3,269 | 35 |
| 2018 | #515 | 607 | #4,409 | 23 |
| 2019 | #522 | 596 | #3,013 | 40 |
| 2020 | #522 | 579 | #3,447 | 32 |
| 2021 | #531 | 582 | #2,356 | 58 |
| 2022 | #503 | 627 | #2,767 | 47 |
| 2023 | #476 | 647 | #2,492 | 54 |
| 2024 | #526 | 583 | #2,838 | 45 |
| 2025 | #579 | 512 | #3,014 | 41 |
World rankings
Imani for girls
Similar names
These 20 names were selected by our users looking for other names like Imani.
Imani on lists
Famous Imanis
- Imani Francesca CoppolaGirl
American singer,songwriter
- Imani Trishawn McGeeGirl
Stafford, American basketball player
- Imani HakimGirl
American actress
- Imani UzuriGirl
American jazz singer
- Imani Michelle DorseyGirl
American soccer player
- Solána Imani Rowe aka SZAGirl
American R&B singer,songwriter
- Imani Duckett (b. 1999)Girl
daughter of actress Jasmine Guy and Terrence Duckett
- Imani Shekinah AlexanderGirl
Knox (b. 2011), daughter of actor Flex Alexander and singer Shanice Wilson
- Jolie Ivory Imani WayansGirl
daughter of actor Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Deyjah Imani HarrisGirl
daughter of American rapper T.I.
- ImaniGirl
stage name of Emandu Rashaan Wilcox, male American rapper of group The Pharcyde
- Imani PattersonGirl
male American actor
- Nyjah Imani HustonGirl
male American pro skateboarder
- Imani Ayan WheelerGirl
Contestant on season 5 of Love Island USA
Imani in pop culture
- Imani FirewingGirl
character on animated series "Mysticons"
- Imani DawsonGirl
baby in "Imani All Mine" by Connie Porter
- ImaniGirl
baby in "What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day" by Pearl Cleage