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Imani
1. Imani name meaning and origin
The name Imani has deep roots in Arabic, specifically originating from Swahili, a Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa. Imani translates to 'faith' or 'belief,' representing spiritual trust and confidence in something greater than oneself. This powerful meaning has contributed to the name's enduring appeal across various cultures.
Beyond its literal translation, Imani holds particular significance in African American culture, especially as one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the annual celebration of African heritage. As the seventh principle, Imani represents faith in people, family, and traditions, emphasizing the importance of believing in the righteousness and victory of communal struggles. The name embodies qualities of strength, perseverance, and spiritual fortitude, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and positive attributes.
2. Imani name popularity
Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Imani
United States
United Kingdom
Imani is a gender-neutral name with roots in Swahili, meaning "faith." Though present in both the United States and the United Kingdom, it hasn't consistently ranked among the most popular names in either country. In the US, Imani is more commonly given to girls but is also used for boys, reflecting its versatile appeal.
This name gained some recognition in Western countries during the late 20th century as interest in names with African origins increased. Despite not being among the top-ranked names, Imani continues to be appreciated for its meaningful definition and melodic sound, making it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a name with cultural significance and spiritual connotation.
3. Imani in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction
The name Imani has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.
Literature:
- Imani
The infant character in Connie Rose Porter’s novel “Imani All Mine” whose name represents the hope and faith her teenage mother, Tasha, holds while navigating the struggles of Buffalo's inner city.
- Imani
She is the thirteen-year-old aspiring fashion designer and protagonist of the 2025 middle-grade novel “The Other Side of Imani” by Lisa Springer.
Films and Television:
- Imani Izzi
She is the arranged bride for Prince Akeem in the 1988 comedy “Coming to America”, famously portrayed by Vanessa Bell Calloway.
- Imani Okoye
A character in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” (portrayed by Sibongile Mlambo), who plays a key role in the expanding world of the drug-trafficking prequel.
- Imani
She is the assistant to Countess Sekou in the Netflix film “Murder Mystery 2”, portrayed by Zurin Villanueva.
- Princess Imani
A one-shot character from the original “Smurfs” cartoon series; she is an African princess who carries a magic drum capable of taming wild beasts.
Video Games:
- Imani
A high-damage "Champion" in the game “Paladins”. She is a powerful mage who can command dragons and switch between fire and ice elements.
4. Celebrities with the Name Imani
Aside from fiction, the name Imani has also been carried by real-life figures in entertainment, sports, and music. From actors to athletes, these celebrities have helped keep the name visible in popular culture.
Historical Figures:
- Imani Perry
A preeminent scholar and author. As a Professor of African American Studies at Princeton/Harvard and a National Book Award winner.
- Imani Sanga
A Tanzanian musicologist and professor whose historical research preserves the heritage of East African music and its evolution through the colonial and post-colonial eras.
- Imani
A founding member of the hip-hop group The Pharcyde. While part of modern music, he is a historical figure within the 1990s "Golden Age" of alternative hip-hop.
Contemporary Celebrities:
- Imani Hakim
An American actress known for her role on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris and for portraying gymnast Gabby Douglas in the biopic The Gabby Douglas Story.
- Imani Pullum
A rising actress who gained attention for her role as Topa in Season 3 of The Orville and for playing Betsy in the film Emancipation.
- Imani Love
An American actress and writer who appears in the 2025 science fiction series Pluribus as the character Cleo.
- SZA (Solána Imani Rowe)
A Grammy-winning American R&B singer-songwriter known for her genre-blending music, diaristic lyrics, and massive hits like "Kill Bill" and "Good Days”.
- Imani Coppola
A singer-songwriter and violinist who first gained fame with the 1997 hit "Legend of a Cowgirl" and continues to release independent music in 2026.
- Imani McGee-Stafford
An American professional basketball center, drafted 10th overall in 2016, known for her dominant college career at Texas and WNBA stints with the Chicago Sky.
- Imani Winds
The Grammy-nominated ensemble that redefined classical wind chamber music through a cultural lens.
Celebrities Who Named Their Babies This Way:
- Jasmine Guy
An actress known for her role in the TV series “A Different World” has a daughter named Imani Guy Duckette, who was born in 1999.
- D'Angelo
He has a daughter named Imani Archer, who is also a singer and songwriter, following in her father's musical footsteps.
- Don Cheadle
Together with his long-time partner, now wife, Bridgid Coulter, has two children, including a daughter named Imani Cheadle.
5. Variations and nicknames of Imani
Imani, a beautiful name of Swahili origin meaning 'belief' or 'faith,' has gained popularity across various cultures, though it does not have many variations. A few significant ones include Amani or Emani. These variants reflect how this meaningful name has traveled across continents while retaining its essence of trust and spiritual conviction.
The name Imani also inspires an array of affectionate nicknames that highlight its versatility. Close friends and family might use the endearing shortenings Mani or Iman, both capturing the name's rhythmic quality. The playful Ima and Nani are popular among parents when addressing young children, while Mimi offers a sweet alternative that's easy for siblings to pronounce. Others might choose the spirited nicknames Ima or Ani, depending on which syllable they prefer to emphasize. These diverse diminutives demonstrate how Imani smoothly adapts to different relationships and contexts, allowing the name to grow with the individual from childhood through adulthood while maintaining its fundamental identity and cultural significance.
6. Best name combinations with Imani
names that pair well with Imani:
- Imani Aria
- Imani Brielle
- Imani Kiana
- Imani Sage
- Imani Noelle
- Imani Naomi
- Imani Soleil
- Imani Lotus
- Imani Dior
- Imani Sky
- Imani Selene
- Imani Maeve
- Imani Aaliyah
- Imani Milani
- Imani Makayla
- Imani Laine
- Imani Simone
- Imani Savannah
- Imani Daria
- Imani Jade
- Amara Imani
- Zara Imani
- Moriah Imani
- Nia Imani
- Tirza Imani
- Layla Imani
- Naomi Imani
- Maya Imani
- Amina Imani
- Aria Imani
- Ayana Imani
- Belle Imani
- Shaye Imani
- Joyce Imani
- Kate Imani
- Jade Imani
- Aisha Imani
- Gray Imani
- Zahara Imani
- Quinn Imani
7. Numerology of Imani name
Destiny Number (Expression Number):
5
The letters in "Imani" convert to: I(9) + M(4) + A(1) + N(5) + I(9) = 28 = 2+8 = 5
TThe Destiny Number 5 indicates a freedom-loving, versatile individual who thrives on change and new experiences. Imani likely adapts quickly to new situations and possesses natural curiosity. Career paths favoring this energy include public relations, marketing, travel writer or journalist, and entrepreneurship. In relationships, they desire freedom while maintaining connection, often making their relationships exciting and meaningful when they learn to balance freedom with emotional depth.
Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):
1
Vowels in "Imani" convert to: I(9) + A(1) + I(9) = 19 = 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1
The Soul Urge Number 1 reveals inner desires for success, independence, and self-expression. Imani is likely motivated by achievement and innovation, with a strong internal drive to forge their own path. They deeply value a partner who appreciates their drive and can match their energy.
Personality Number:
9
Consonants in "Imani" convert to: M(4) + N(5) = 9
The Personality Number 9 represents how others perceive Imani – as compassionate, confident, and generous. People likely see Imani as someone with depth and understanding. This type of personality number is also said to be great leaders and influencers as they have the ability to direct the approach to achieve things in an organized way.. In social situations, Imani likely comes across as thoughtful and globally minded, attracting those who appreciate depth and authenticity.
Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.
8. Names similar to Imani
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