"trust, conviction"
Iman
Pronunciation: [ EYEM-uhn ]
A name rooted in the deepest spiritual conviction
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Iman
Iman derives from the Arabic root amana meaning to believe or to trust, giving the name its core meaning of faith or belief. In Islamic theology, Iman specifically refers to complete faith in God, and the name is widely used for both boys and girls across the Arabic-speaking and Muslim world. It is especially common in Iran, Egypt, Somalia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Iman is a perennial favorite in Muslim-majority countries and diaspora communities worldwide. In the West, the name gained wider recognition through the Somali-American supermodel Iman (the girl form), though as a boy's name it remains more culturally specific.
Iman is one of the foundational concepts in Islam, referring to sincere belief in God, the angels, the prophets, the scriptures, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. Naming a son Iman is an expression of deep religious devotion.
Fun Facts
- Iman is one of the Six Articles of Faith in Islam
- The supermodel Iman (born 1955) is among the most famous bearers of this name globally
- Imani, the Swahili form, is one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Iman in Other Languages
Famous People Named Iman
Iman Shumpert
Athlete
1990
American NBA basketball player and rapper
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,896
- Total SSA Count
- 84
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Islamic Persian Swahili African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Iman is also used as a girl name, ranked #2086.
View Iman as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Iman
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About the Name Iman
Iman is a boy name with Arabic, Islamic, Persian, Swahili, and African origins . The name means "trust, conviction" in Arabic .
Is Iman a boy or girl name? Iman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,896 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,086. Iman is more commonly used as a boy name.
Iman is currently ranked #1,896 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Iman has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYEM-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Iman include Imani, Imari . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.