"strong, resolute, firm"
Origin: Swahili
Language: Swahili
Imara
Does Imara flow with your last name?
A Swahili word for strength, pure and powerful
Swahili
African
East African
Strong
Earthy
Elegant
Spiritual
Unique
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"stable, unwavering"
Origin: Bantu
Language: Swahili
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The Story of Imara
Imara is a Swahili word-name meaning 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'resolute.' Swahili, a Bantu language spoken across East Africa, has rich tradition of word-names that carry clear positive meanings. Imara is both a given name and an everyday Swahili adjective, making it one of the language's most directly meaningful names — when you name a child Imara, you are literally saying 'this one is strong.'
Imara has grown steadily in English-speaking countries as parents seek African names that are both meaningful and accessible. Its clear pronunciation and positive meaning make it an easy choice for diaspora families and non-African parents alike.
Across East African cultures, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, Imara is valued as a name expressing the deep wish for a child to be resilient and steadfast. It is used for both boys and girls in some regions, though primarily feminine in diaspora usage.
Historical Record
Imara first appeared in US Social Security records in 1990.
Over 665 babies have been named Imara in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Imara is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,993 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'Imara' is an everyday Swahili adjective meaning firm or stable, used both as a name and in regular conversation
- Swahili word-names are especially valued because their meanings are transparent to native speakers
- The name appears in Swahili literature and oral traditions as a symbol of endurance
Imara in Other Languages
Arabic
إيمارا
French
Imara
Spanish
Imara
Swahili
Imara
Popularity Over Time
#2,993
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Imara
I
Imara Jones
Activist
1971
American journalist, transgender rights activist, and host of the TransLash podcast
I
Imara (Marvel Comics) Fictional
Other
Marvel Comics character known for superhuman strength, reflecting the name's meaning perfectly
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,993
- Total SSA Count
- 55
- Cultural Origins
- Swahili African East African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ima
Mara
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Imara
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imara
What does the name Imara mean?
"strong, resolute, firm" (from Swahili). "stable, unwavering" (from Bantu). Imara is a Swahili word-name meaning 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'resolute.' Swahili, a Bantu language spoken across East Africa, has rich tradition of word-names that carry clear positive meanings. Imara is both a given name and an everyday Swahili adjective, making it one of the language's most directly meaningful names — when you name a child Imara, you are literally saying 'this one is strong.'
What is the origin of the name Imara?
Imara has Swahili, Bantu, African, and East African origins. In Swahili, it means "strong, resolute, firm". In Bantu, it means "stable, unwavering".
Is Imara a boy or girl name?
Imara is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Imara?
Imara is currently ranked #2993 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Imara?
Common nicknames for Imara include Ima and Mara.
What are good middle names for Imara?
Popular middle name pairings include Imara Zoe, Imara Faith, Imara Grace, Imara Joy, Imara Amara, and Imara Nia.
What are good sibling names for Imara?
Names that pair well with Imara as siblings include Zuri, Amara, Nia, Jabari, Kofi, and Leila.
How many syllables does Imara have?
Imara has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Imara a common or rare name?
Imara is an uncommon name, ranked #2993 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Imara
Imara is a girl name with Swahili, African, and East African origins . The name means "strong, resolute, firm" in Swahili .
Imara is currently ranked #2,993 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Imara has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Imara include Ima and Mara. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis