Imogene

Pronunciation: [ IHM-uhj-een ]

Girl Name #2,459 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

Shakespeare's most beloved heroine, reimagined for today

English Irish American

Vintage Literary Elegant Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"maiden, daughter"

Origin: Celtic

Language: Old Celtic

"image, likeness"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

The Story of Imogene

Imogene (also spelled Imogen) originates from Shakespeare's play Cymbeline (1610), where it appears as 'Innogen' — possibly a scribal error that has become canonical. The name may derive from Celtic 'inghean' meaning maiden or daughter, or possibly from Latin 'imago' meaning image or likeness. Shakespeare's influence on naming is immense, and Imogene/Imogen is one of his most enduring legacies.

Imogene/Imogen has experienced a significant revival in the 2010s, particularly in the UK where Imogen ranked in the top 20 girls names. The -gene spelling is more common in the US, while -gen predominates in Britain.

As a Shakespearean name, Imogene carries instant literary prestige. Imogen in Cymbeline is portrayed as loyal, brave, and virtuous — qualities that have made the name appealing to literary-minded parents across generations.

Fun Facts

Imogen Heap is a British singer-songwriter known for her innovative use of technology in music
Shakespeare may have misspelled 'Innogen' creating the name Imogen by accident
Imogen is in the top 20 girls names in England and Wales

Imogene in Other Languages

Welsh Imogen

French Imogène

Italian Imogene

Famous People Named Imogene

Imogen Heap

Musician

1977

British singer-songwriter and producer known for innovative music and the song Hide and Seek

Imogen Stubbs

Actor

1961

British actress known for stage and screen work including Sense and Sensibility

Imogen Fictional

Other

Virtuous and brave princess in Shakespeare's Cymbeline, one of his most admired heroines

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 4
Popularity Rank: #2,459
Total SSA Count: 73
Cultural Origins: English Irish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Imogen #1127

Common Nicknames

Immy Gene Genie

Pairs Well With

Imogene Rose Imogene Claire Imogene Frances Imogene Louise Imogene Jane Imogene Wren

Sibling Names

Beatrice Cordelia Jasper Edmund Viola Cecily

Also a Boy Name

Imogene is also used as a boy name, ranked #31686.

View Imogene as a boy name →

Similar Names

Esme Imogen Morrigan

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Imogene and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Imogene sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Imogene

What does the name Imogene mean?

"maiden, daughter" (from Celtic). "image, likeness" (from Latin). Imogene (also spelled Imogen) originates from Shakespeare's play Cymbeline (1610), where it appears as 'Innogen' — possibly a scribal error that has become canonical. The name may derive from Celtic 'inghean' meaning maiden or daughter, or possibly from Latin 'imago' meaning image or likeness. Shakespeare's influence on naming is immense, and Imogene/Imogen is one of his most enduring legacies.

What is the origin of the name Imogene?

Imogene has Celtic, Latin, English, Irish, and American origins. In Celtic, it means "maiden, daughter". In Latin, it means "image, likeness".

Is Imogene a boy or girl name?

Imogene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2459. As a boy name, it is ranked #31686. Imogene is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Imogene?

Imogene is pronounced IHM-uhj-een.

How popular is the name Imogene?

Imogene is currently ranked #2459 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Imogene?

Common nicknames for Imogene include Immy, Gene, and Genie.

What are good middle names for Imogene?

Popular middle name pairings include Imogene Rose, Imogene Claire, Imogene Frances, Imogene Louise, Imogene Jane, and Imogene Wren.

What are good sibling names for Imogene?

Names that pair well with Imogene as siblings include Beatrice, Cordelia, Jasper, Edmund, Viola, and Cecily.

How many syllables does Imogene have?

Imogene has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Imogene a common or rare name?

Imogene is an uncommon name, ranked #2459 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Imogene

Imogene is a girl name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "maiden, daughter" in Celtic .

Is Imogene a boy or girl name? Imogene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,459 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,686. Imogene is more commonly used as a girl name.

Imogene is currently ranked #2,459 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Imogene has 4 syllables and is pronounced IHM-uhj-een, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Imogene include Immy, Gene, and Genie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Imogene include Imogen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.