Iman

♂ Boy

Pronounced ee-MAHN /iːˈmɑːn/High

Meaning: Faith or belief; from the Arabic root amana meaning to believe or to have faith, a core Islamic theological conceptHigh

In 30 seconds: Iman is a deeply meaningful Arabic name signifying faith and belief, central concepts in Islam. Used for both boys and girls across the Muslim world, it carries spiritual weight and is beloved from Morocco to Malaysia.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFaith or belief; from the Arabic root amana meaning to believe or to have faith, a core Islamic theological concept

U.S. rank (2025)#1798 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births89 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,485

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

Iman comes from the Arabic root amana, meaning to be safe or to trust, from which the broader meaning of faith and belief developed in Islamic theology. The concept of iman is foundational in the Quran and hadith literature.

As a given name, Iman has been used across the Islamic world for centuries. In the West it gained visibility through the Somali-American supermodel Iman (born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid), who used the name professionally. For boys, Iman is common in Arab, Persian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian Muslim communities.

Did you know? Iman is one of the Six Pillars of Faith in Islam, making this name not just a label but a theological statement of belief in God, angels, scriptures, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Iman — Arabic etymology and usageOxford Islamic Studies — Iman — theological definition

Variations

ImaanEiman

Nicknames

Immy

Famous Bearers

★Iman (Iman Abdulmajid) (1955–present)
Somali-American supermodel and actress born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, known internationally by the single name Iman.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Iman mean?

Iman means faith or belief in Arabic, and is one of the core concepts of Islamic theology.

How do you pronounce Iman?

It is said ee-MAHN, two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Iman a boy or girl name?

Iman is used for both boys and girls across the Muslim world; in the West it is more associated with women but is a traditional boys name in many Arab and South Asian communities.

How popular is Iman?

Iman is common throughout the Muslim world and occasionally appears in U.S. birth records, particularly in Muslim communities.