Ima

♀ Girl

Pronounced EE-muh /ˈiː.mə/High

Meaning: Ima is the ordinary Hebrew word for 'mother' (imma), used affectionately in Israel. Separately it was a real American given name in the nineteenth century, best known from Ima Hogg of Texas. The same sound is also a Japanese word meaning 'now,' which is a coincidence rather than a shared route.Low

In 30 seconds: A short, warm name: Ima is Hebrew for 'mother,' and also a genuine old American name (said 'EE-muh').

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Origin LowHebrew, English, Japanese

MeaningIma is the ordinary Hebrew word for 'mother' (imma), used affectionately in Israel. Separately it was a real American given name in the nineteenth century, best known from Ima Hogg of Texas. The same sound is also a Japanese word meaning 'now,' which is a coincidence rather than a shared route.

U.S. rank (2020)#14101 ↘ Falling

2020 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1927

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,799

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ima is the everyday Hebrew word for 'mother' (imma), which gives it an immediate warmth for Hebrew speakers. It also has an independent life as an old American given name: Ima Hogg, a celebrated Texas philanthropist and art collector, is the best-known bearer. The same syllables spell a Japanese word meaning 'now,' but that is coincidence rather than a shared route (said 'EE-muh').

It appears only in very small numbers in the U.S. today. Rare, short, and vintage.

Did you know? Ima is what Hebrew-speaking children call their mother - and it was also a real American given name in the eighteen-hundreds, carried by the Texas philanthropist Ima Hogg.

Overall data confidence 42%

References - Ima — Hebrew imma 'mother'; American vintage use; Japanese ima 'now' (coincidental)

Variations

ImmaEmmaIman

Nicknames

ImmyMimi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ima…

Emma— a near-twin in sound and shape

Iman— a like short Im- name

Ivy— a like brief vintage pick

Mira— a like two-beat warm name

Explore names like Ima

By themehebrew word-name short vintage

By meaningLove Gift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ima mean?

Ima is the Hebrew word for 'mother'; it is also a real vintage American given name, and a Japanese word for 'now.'

How do you pronounce Ima?

It's said EE-muh /ˈiː.mə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ima a boy or girl name?

Ima is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Ima?

Ima is extremely rare in the U.S.