The name Imogen has its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, derived from the elements "im" meaning "work" or "labor" and "gen" meaning "child" or "offspring." This combination suggests the name may have originally referred to a child born through difficult labor or a hard-working child.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Imogen can be found in the play "Cymbeline" by William Shakespeare, written around 1609-1610. In the play, Imogen is the daughter of the titular king and a central character. Shakespeare's use of the name helped popularize it in English-speaking cultures.

Before Shakespeare, the name appeared in various spellings, such as Innogen, Innogia, and Innogene, in medieval texts and records from various parts of Europe, particularly in regions with Germanic linguistic influences.

In the 17th century, the English poet John Milton used the name Imogen for a character in his masque "Comus," further solidifying its presence in English literature.

Notable historical figures with the name Imogen include:

1. Imogen Holst (1907-1984), an English composer and conductor, and the daughter of the famous composer Gustav Holst.

2. Imogen Stubbs (born 1961), an English actress known for her roles in films such as "Sense and Sensibility" and "Twelfth Night."

3. Imogen Heap (born 1977), an English singer-songwriter and record producer, known for her innovative use of technology in music production.

4. Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976), an American photographer celebrated for her botanical photography and nudes.

5. Imogen Poots (born 1989), an English actress known for her roles in films like "28 Weeks Later" and "Green Room."

Throughout history, the name Imogen has maintained a sense of literary and artistic associations, perhaps due to its early appearances in the works of renowned playwrights and poets.