Imara

♀ Girl

Pronounced ih-MAH-rah /ɪˈmɑː.rə/High

Meaning: From Swahili imara, meaning strong, firm, stable, or resolute — a quality name celebrating strength of character.High

In 30 seconds: Imara is a powerful Swahili name meaning strong and resolute, deeply rooted in East African culture. It is a name that carries a clear, affirmative message of strength and stability.

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Origin HighSwahili, Arabic

MeaningFrom Swahili imara, meaning strong, firm, stable, or resolute — a quality name celebrating strength of character.

U.S. rank (2024)#2979 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births55 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 665

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Imara comes from the Swahili adjective *imara*, meaning firm, strong, or solid. Swahili is a Bantu language spoken across East Africa with significant Arabic vocabulary absorbed through centuries of Indian Ocean trade.

Imara began appearing among African American families in the late 20th century as part of a broader embrace of African-language names with meaningful, empowering definitions. It has also been used in East African communities in the UK and North America.

Did you know? Imara is one of the Kwanzaa-inspired virtue names; the principle of Imani (faith) belongs to the same naming tradition that celebrates strength and communal values in African heritage.

Overall data confidence 90%

African Name Database — Imara — Swahili etymologyBehind the Name — Imara — Usage notes

Variations

AmaraImani

Nicknames

ImaMara

Famous Bearers

★Imara (fictional)
A lioness character in the Disney animated series The Lion Guard, the strongest member of Vitani's Lion Guard.

If you like Imara…

Amara— Swahili/Arabic name meaning grace or eternal, similar origin and feel

Imani— Swahili name meaning faith, same East African naming tradition

Zara— Short melodic name with African and Arabic roots

Amina— East African and Arabic girls name of similar strength

Nadia— International girls name meaning hope, similar positive-virtue feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Imara mean?

Imara means strong, firm, or resolute in Swahili, celebrating strength of character and stability.

How do you pronounce Imara?

Imara is pronounced ih-MAH-rah, three syllables with stress on the second: /ɪˈmɑː.rə/.

Is Imara a boy or girl name?

Imara is used as a girl's name in modern practice, though as a Swahili adjective it is gender-neutral.

How popular is Imara?

Imara is uncommon in the US but is a recognized name in East Africa and among African-heritage communities globally.