ThinkabaraImani: meaning and origin
Imani
“Faith (Swahili)”
About the name Imani
Imani is a girl’s name from the African tradition. Its meaning is “faith (Swahili)”. Names from African languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo and Akan, often with a full sentence of meaning — like Amara, Kofi, Zuri and Jabari.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More African names
- Abeni 👧We asked for her, and behold, we got her (Yoruba) · African
- Adaeze 👧Daughter of the king (Igbo) · African
- Ama 👧Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Amara 👧Grace (Igbo) · African
- Amari 🧒Strength, eternal · African
- Ayana 👧Beautiful flower · African
- Folami 👧Respect and honor me (Yoruba) · African
- Makena 👧Happy one (Kikuyu) · African
- Nia 👧Purpose (Swahili) · African
- Zuri 👧Beautiful (Swahili) · African
Sibling name ideas (African, boys)
- Chidi 👦God exists (Igbo) · African
- Jabari 👦Brave, fearless (Swahili) · African
- Jelani 👦Mighty (Swahili) · African
- Kamau 👦Quiet warrior (Kikuyu) · African
- Kofi 👦Born on Friday (Akan) · African
- Kwame 👦Born on Saturday (Akan) · African
- Tunde 👦One who returns (Yoruba) · African
More girl names starting with I
- Ingrid 👧Beautiful, beloved · Scandinavian
- Irene 👧Peace · Greek
- Iris 👧Rainbow; also the flower · Greek
- Isabel 👧Pledged to God; the Spanish form of Elizabeth · Spanish
- Isabella 👧Pledged to God; a form of Elizabeth · Hebrew
- Isla 👧Island; from the Scottish island of Islay · Scottish
- Ivy 👧The evergreen climbing plant · English
Questions and answers
What does the name Imani mean?
Imani is a name of African origin. It means: faith (Swahili).
Is Imani a boy or girl name?
Imani is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Imani have?
Imani has 5 letters and about 3 syllables.