Imani

♀ Girl

Pronounced ih-MAH-nee /ɪˈmɑː.ni/High

Meaning: From Swahili imani meaning 'faith,' derived from Arabic iman meaning 'faith' or 'belief,' a core concept in Islamic theologyHigh

In 30 seconds: Imani means 'faith' in Swahili — one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It is a name of grace and cultural depth, widely embraced in African American communities.

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Origin HighSwahili, Arabic

MeaningFrom Swahili imani meaning 'faith,' derived from Arabic iman meaning 'faith' or 'belief,' a core concept in Islamic theology

U.S. rank (2025)#579 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births512 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 27,808

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Imani is the Swahili word for 'faith,' itself borrowed from the Arabic iman, a foundational concept in Islam meaning faith or belief in God. Swahili, as a Bantu language heavily influenced by Arabic, incorporated this term centuries ago through Indian Ocean trade and Islamic scholarship along the East African coast.

As a given name in the United States, Imani rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in African American communities inspired by the Afrocentric naming movement and Kwanzaa's establishment in 1966. Its beautiful meaning and flowing sound have kept it consistently popular.

Did you know? Imani is the seventh and final principle of Kwanzaa, the annual celebration of African heritage observed from December 26 to January 1 — making it one of the very few names that encapsulates an entire cultural celebration's closing ideal.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Imani — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ImanImaanEmani

Nicknames

Mani

Famous Bearers

★Imani Coppola (1978–present)
American singer-songwriter known for the 1997 hit 'Legend of a Cowgirl.'

If you like Imani…

Amara— Swahili/African name with similarly beautiful meaning and melodic sound

Zara— Arabic-rooted girls' name with the same elegant, cross-cultural appeal

Nia— Swahili name (another Kwanzaa principle meaning 'purpose') with the same cultural heritage

Aaliyah— Arabic-Swahili rooted girls' name with similar rhythm and cultural resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Imani mean?

Imani means 'faith' in Swahili, derived from the Arabic word iman. It is also the seventh principle of Kwanzaa.

How do you pronounce Imani?

It is said ih-MAH-nee — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Imani a boy or girl name?

Imani is used mainly as a girls' name in the U.S., though it can be unisex in East African contexts.

How popular is Imani?

Imani has been a consistently popular name in the U.S. since the 1990s, particularly within African American communities.