Imogen

Meaning of Imogen

Imogen, pronounced IM-uh-jen, entered the English record through Shakespeare’s 1611 drama “Cymbeline,” where a likely printer’s slip turned “Innogen”—thought to echo the Old Irish inghean, “maiden” or “daughter”—into the form that endures today. Some etymologists also note a kinship with the Latin imago, “image,” a link that lends the name an artistic patina. In U.S. data the name appears sporadically in the 1920s, fades, then resurfaces at the turn of the millennium and has inched up to rank 736 in 2024, signaling quiet but consistent growth. Cultural references span Shakespeare’s steadfast heroine, the avant-pop vocals of Imogen Heap, and the screen presence of Imogen Poots, giving the name a reputation for creativity and resilience. The blend of Celtic roots, Latin resonance, and literary prestige positions Imogen as a refined yet accessible choice for modern parents.