Imogene is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. It was created by the renowned Irish poet Thomas Moore for his play "Owen O'Malley," first performed in 1814. In the play, Imogene is the beautiful daughter of an impoverished nobleman.
The name Imogene is derived from the Irish name Eimheoin, which means "jealous in a good way." This unique meaning suggests that the name Imogene carries connotations of devoted love and protectiveness.
Despite its Irish roots and enchanting origin story, Imogene has not been widely popular throughout history. However, it has been used sporadically in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in the usage of Imogene, possibly due to its vintage charm and intriguing backstory.
Overall, Imogene is an uncommon yet compelling name that embodies Irish heritage and carries a distinctive meaning. Its origins in literature make it particularly appealing for those who appreciate the arts and the timeless beauty of words.
"The name Imogene experienced a significant rise in popularity between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with over 100 births per year consistently recorded from 1900 onwards. However, it peaked around 1913-1924, with annual births reaching as high as 1494 in 1927. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, dropping to single digits by the late 1960s and fluctuating between 5 to 70 births per year until present day."