The first name Imo is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria. It means 'beauty' in Igbo, one of Nigeria's major languages. This name is often used for both males and females, making it unisex. Its phonetic spelling is pronounced as /iːmoʊ/. The name Imo is also associated with the shortest river in Europe, which flows through Portugal. However, the name's usage as a personal name is more prevalent and has been carried by many individuals throughout history.
"The name Imo had a significant increase in popularity from the late 19th to mid-20th century, with a peak of 34 births per year between 1926 and 1929. After World War II, the number of babies named Imo decreased significantly, reaching as low as 5 births per year in 1952 and 1957."