Girl
Celtic / Latin
3 syllables
Imogen
IM-oh-jen
/ˈɪmədʒɛn/
"The maiden" — a name of Shakespearean nobility, Celtic mystery, and British literary prestige
Imogen is a name of deep British literary pedigree, originating in Shakespeare's play Cymbeline as the name of a British princess of Celtic origin. Its meaning is debated: Shakespeare may have accidentally corrupted the Celtic Innogen meaning 'maiden' or 'girl,' or it may derive from a Latin form meaning 'innocent.' Whatever its origin, Imogen has a distinctly romantic, bookish quality beloved in Britain, where it has been a top-100 name for decades, and is now enchanting parents in the United States as well.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesIm · o · gen
GenderGirl
OriginCeltic / Latin
Root WordInnogen
MeaningMaiden, innocent
PopularityCommon
Peak Year2014
Trend
→ Stable
Nicknames
ImmyImmiGen
About the Name Imogen
The meaning of Imogen is genuinely debated. Shakespeare likely took it from the Celtic Innogen, meaning 'maiden' or 'girl,' possibly mistranscribing it. Others connect it to the Latin imago meaning 'image' or the Celtic root for 'innocent.' In practice, Imogen has come to suggest purity, intelligence, and a literary, somewhat otherworldly grace — meanings accrued through centuries of use rather than strict etymology.
Imogen first appears in Shakespeare's Cymbeline (written c. 1610) as the virtuous and long-suffering princess of Britain. Many scholars believe Shakespeare accidentally changed the original Celtic name Innogen (which appears in earlier sources about the same legendary character). Regardless of origin, the name is strongly associated with Shakespeare in the cultural imagination.
Imogen is associated with intelligence, creativity, and a quietly unconventional spirit. People named Imogen are often seen as bookish, artistic, and somewhat ethereal — someone with a rich inner life and an instinct for beauty in ideas and language. The Shakespearean heroine's virtue and the musician Imogen Heap's avant-garde creativity both inform the name's associations.
Imogen is firmly established in the top 100 in the UK and Australia, where it has been popular for decades. In the United States it is less common but rising, particularly among parents who love British literary names. Its three distinctive syllables and unusual combination of letters give it a slightly exotic quality for American ears while remaining completely pronounceable.
Imogen's three elegant syllables pair beautifully with shorter middles. Perfect options include Imogen Rose, Imogen Grace, Imogen Elise, Imogen Claire, and Imogen Faye. The name's literary British character suits classic middles like Imogen Violet or Imogen Pearl. Single-syllable middles create the cleanest, most elegant flow after Imogen's three measured syllables.
Imogen is pronounced IM-oh-jen (three syllables, stress on the first). The 'g' is soft, making a 'j' sound as in 'gentle.' It is sometimes mispronounced IM-oh-geen by people unfamiliar with the name, but the correct pronunciation ends with '-jen' rhyming with 'hen.' The nickname Immy (IM-ee) is the most common shortening.
Personality of Imogen
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Imogen
Creativity
88%
Elegance
90%
Independence
86%
Intelligence
92%
Strength
74%
Warmth
78%
Famous People Named Imogen
I
Imogen (Shakespeare)
Virtuous heroine of Shakespeare's Cymbeline, considered one of his finest female characters
I
Imogen Heap
British singer-songwriter and innovator known for avant-garde electronic pop
I
Imogen Poots
British actress known for 28 Weeks Later and Jane Eyre
I
Imogen Thomas
Welsh model and television personality
Middle Names for Imogen
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Imogen
Imogen Rose
Imogen Grace
Imogen Elise
Imogen Claire
Imogen Violet
Imogen Pearl
Imogen Wren
Imogen Faye
Imogen Iris
Imogen Mae
Imogen Celeste
Imogen Louise
Names Similar to Imogen
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Imogen
1610
Shakespeare writes Cymbeline, featuring the virtuous Princess Imogen
1800
Imogen used by English literary families who admired the Shakespearean character
1990
Imogen gains traction in the UK, eventually becoming a top-100 name
2010
Imogen begins appearing on US charts as British names gain transatlantic appeal
Numerology & Symbolism of Imogen
9
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
2
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Virgo
7
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Forest Green
💎
Lucky Stone
Jade
🌸
Lucky Flower
White Violet
Imogen Around the World
How Imogen is written in different languages and scripts
إيموجين
Arabic
イモジェン
Japanese
Имоджен
Russian
이모젠
Korean
伊莫金
Chinese
Ίμοτζεν
Greek
इमोजेन
Hindi
אימוג'ן
Hebrew
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