imani

Imani is a given name of Swahili origin meaning "faith." The word imani in Swahili denotes belief, trust, or fidelity, and as a personal name it is commonly used for girls in many English-speaking countries as well as in East Africa and the African diaspora. The name spread in the 20th century through cultural exchange and, in some contexts, through religious communities that emphasize the virtue of faith.

Usage: Imani is used across various cultures and can be hyphenated or combined with other names. It is occasionally used as a surname, though far less common. Variants and related forms include Imane, Iman, and Imaan, which arise in Arabic-speaking and other communities with similar roots.

Cultural significance: The name is often associated with positivity and spiritual or personal strength. In contemporary media and literature, characters named Imani appear in a range of genres, reflecting the name's broad appeal.

Notable people: A variety of public figures and artists bear the given name Imani, across fields such as sports, performing arts, and activism, illustrating its cross-cultural usage. However, no single famous figure defines the name.

See also: Iman; Faith.