Imogene is a unique and beautiful name of Latin origin. It means "maiden" or "girl" in Latin, and it is derived from the Latin word "inimica", which means "enemy". The name Imogene is often associated with the Irish goddess Éigi Neach (also known as Éigi Nech), who was the mother of the god Brian. However, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that Imogene is actually an Irish name.
The first recorded use of the name Imogene appears in English literature during the late 16th century. It was used by Shakespeare in his play "Cymbeline", where Imogen is a prominent character. In the play, Imogene is depicted as a loyal and brave young woman who remains true to her husband despite being betrayed by him.
Despite its early appearance in literature, Imogene remained relatively rare throughout the centuries that followed. However, it did gain some popularity during the Victorian era, when many parents were drawn to unusual and romantic-sounding names like Imogene.
Today, Imogene is still a somewhat uncommon name, but it continues to be used by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning. It is often spelled "Imogen" in modern times, although the traditional spelling of "Imogene" is also used occasionally.
Overall, Imogene is a lovely and distinctive name with a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Whether you choose to spell it with an "e" or an "i", this beautiful name is sure to make your little one stand out from the crowd.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Imogene has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1925 and 1930, with 9 and 10 babies respectively being named Imogene during those years.
However, there was a decline in its popularity afterwards, with only 7 births in 1933, 5 births in both 1936 and 1941, and 7 births in 1937. There were also 6 births each in 1926 and 1938.
Overall, between the years of 1925 to 1941, a total of 55 babies were named Imogene in the United States. This data shows that while the name was somewhat popular during this period, its popularity fluctuated significantly over time.