The name Imogene is of Greek origin and means "maiden" or "virgin". It is derived from the Greek word "hagne", which refers to purity and virginity. The name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it.
One of the most famous Imogenes in history was Imogen, a character in William Shakespeare's play "Cymbeline". In the play, Imogen is a virtuous and beautiful princess who remains faithful to her husband despite being separated from him. The name Imogene has since become associated with this character and is often used as an alternate spelling of the name.
Another notable figure named Imogene was Imogene Herndon, an American actress known for her roles in silent films during the 1910s and 1920s. She was born into a prominent theatrical family and made her debut on stage at the age of five.
The name Imogene has also been used by several notable figures in other fields, including Imogene Gold, an American painter known for her landscapes and portraits, and Imogene Power, a Canadian political activist who fought for women's suffrage in the early 20th century.
In recent years, the name Imogene has seen a resurgence in popularity. It was ranked as the 916th most popular girl's name in the United States in 2018, up from its ranking of 1,347 in 2000. While it may not be as common as some other names, Imogene remains a unique and distinctive choice with a rich history behind it.
The name Imojene is quite rare in the United States, with only six babies being given this unique name annually in 1926. This makes it one of the least common names that year, highlighting its distinctive and uncommon character.