Imana

♀ Girl

Pronounced ee-MAH-nuh /iˈmɑː.nə/Medium

Meaning: Imana is the Kinyarwanda and Kirundi word for God, central to Rwandan and Burundian faith and language. Used as a given name it is a name of reverence, and we treat it as such. Some families outside the region also read it as a variant of Iman ('faith' in Arabic).Medium

In 30 seconds: A reverent word-name: Imana is the Kinyarwanda and Kirundi word for God (said 'ee-MAH-nuh').

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumKinyarwanda, Kirundi

MeaningImana is the Kinyarwanda and Kirundi word for God, central to Rwandan and Burundian faith and language. Used as a given name it is a name of reverence, and we treat it as such. Some families outside the region also read it as a variant of Iman ('faith' in Arabic).

U.S. rank (2024)#14095 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1994

Total births (all-time)≈ 44

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

Imana is the Kinyarwanda and Kirundi name for God, threaded through Rwandan and Burundian proverbs, blessings and given names alike. As a first name it is a name of reverence, and we note that plainly and respectfully. Some families elsewhere link it to Arabic Iman, 'faith' (said 'ee-MAH-nuh').

It is very rare for girls in the U.S., carried mostly by East African families. Reverent, resonant, and rhythmic.

Did you know? Imana is the word for God in Kinyarwanda and Kirundi — the languages of Rwanda and Burundi. Names beginning or ending with Imana are common there, and the word carries deep religious weight, which we note with respect.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Imana — Kinyarwanda/Kirundi word for God; Arabic Iman association

Variations

ImaniImanImanah

Nicknames

ImaMana

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Imana…

Imani— a close East African cousin ('faith' in Swahili)

Iman— a like name of faith in Arabic

Amani— a like Swahili word-name ('peace')

Amara— a like warm, three-beat African-adjacent pick

Explore names like Imana

By themeword-name religious african rwandan

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Imana mean?

Imana is the Kinyarwanda and Kirundi word for God, from Rwanda and Burundi. It is a name of reverence.

How do you pronounce Imana?

It's said ee-MAH-nuh /iˈmɑː.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Imana a boy or girl name?

Imana is used here as a girl's name; as a word it is not gendered.

How popular is Imana?

Imana is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.