Find out how popular the first name Imina has been for the last 6 years (from 2018 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Imina by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Imina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Imina.

The history of the first name Imina

The name Imina originates from the Yoruba language spoken in parts of West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. It is a feminine name that has been in use since ancient times, with its roots likely stretching back to the early days of the Yoruba civilization.

Imina is believed to be derived from the Yoruba word "ìmínì," which means "sweet" or "honey." This suggests that the name may have been given to newborn girls as a way of expressing the sweetness and joy they brought to their families and communities.

Historical references to the name Imina are scarce, as written records from ancient Yoruba culture are limited. However, it is reasonable to assume that the name has been in use for centuries, passed down through generations of Yoruba families.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Imina can be found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba scholar and linguist who lived in the 19th century. Crowther documented various Yoruba names and their meanings in his works, providing valuable insight into the language and culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Imina:

1. Imina Arewa (c. 1920-1995), a Nigerian politician and activist who played a significant role in the country's independence movement.
2. Imina Zulu (1940-2010), a South African painter and sculptor renowned for her vibrant depictions of African life and culture.
3. Imina Mbaye (1952-2018), a Senegalese writer and poet whose works explored themes of identity, love, and social justice.
4. Imina Tshabalala (1963-present), a South African businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded one of the country's leading IT companies.
5. Imina Haastrup (1975-present), a Nigerian-British academic and author who has written extensively on African literature and cultural studies.

While the name Imina may not be as widely known as some other African names, it carries a rich cultural heritage and a sense of sweetness and joy that has resonated through generations of Yoruba families.

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 Imina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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