Imani
ih-MAH-nee
Imani is a Swahili word meaning “faith,” derived from the Arabic īmān (إيمان). It is also the name of the 7th principle of Kwanzaa, the African American cultural celebration established in 1966.
The name gained traction during the Black cultural renaissance of the 1970s and 1980s, when African and Swahili names became important markers of identity and heritage in African American communities.
Imani peaked at No. 239 in 1996 with 1,171 births, coinciding with the height of Afrocentric naming trends. In 2024, it ranks No. 526 with 583 births.
What the name Imani means
Supermodel Imani (born Chanel Iman Robinson) brought the name into fashion-industry circles. The name’s direct, meaningful nature appeals across religious and cultural boundaries.
Three syllables—ih-MAH-nee—flow with a gentle rise and a warm, open close. The name has a musical quality that feels both grounded and uplifting.
Modern parents value Imani for its spiritual depth and cultural significance. The meaning of faith resonates universally without being tied to a single religious tradition.
The name has no common spelling variants in English. In Arabic, īmān is used as both a male and female name, while in Swahili and English, Imani is predominantly feminine.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Imani
Imani - similar names
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