Find out how popular the first name Imhotep has been for the last 41 years (from 1981 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Imhotep by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Imhotep is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Imhotep.

The history of the first name Imhotep

The given name Imhotep has its origins in ancient Egyptian culture, dating back to the late 27th century BC. It is derived from the Egyptian words "i" meaning "to come," and "ḥtp" meaning "peace" or "satisfaction." The name is typically translated as "he who comes in peace" or "the one who comes with peace."

Imhotep was an Egyptian polymath and one of the earliest known architects, engineers, and physicians in recorded history. He served as the chancellor to the Pharaoh Djoser during the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom period. Imhotep is credited with designing and overseeing the construction of the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, which is considered one of the earliest examples of large-scale stone architecture.

The name Imhotep appears in various ancient Egyptian texts and inscriptions, including the Westcar Papyrus, which dates back to the Middle Kingdom period (circa 2000-1650 BC). In this papyrus, Imhotep is portrayed as a wise and skilled magician, capable of performing remarkable feats.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Imhotep was the ancient Egyptian polymath himself, who lived around 2650-2600 BC during the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. He was revered in his lifetime and deified after his death, becoming the god of medicine and healing in Egyptian mythology.

Another notable figure named Imhotep was an Egyptian scribe and priest who lived during the Ptolemaic period (circa 332-30 BC). He wrote several important texts on astrology and astronomy, including the "Imhotep's Astrology" and "Imhotep's Treatise on the Zodiac."

In the 4th century AD, a Christian monk and hermit named Imhotep lived in the Egyptian desert. He is venerated as a saint in the Coptic Orthodox Church and is celebrated on the 8th day of the Coptic month of Bashans.

During the 7th century AD, an Egyptian physician named Imhotep is mentioned in the medical compendium "Kitāb al-Masā'il fī al-Ṭibb" (Book of Questions on Medicine) compiled by the Persian scholar Hunayn ibn Ishaq. This Imhotep is credited with several medical treatises and contributions to the field of medicine.

While the name Imhotep has its roots in ancient Egyptian culture, it has been adopted and used across various cultures and time periods, often as a tribute to the legendary figure who embodied wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of understanding.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Imhotep was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Imhotep, please contact us.

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