Imogen

Imogen is a charming name of Celtic origin that means 'maiden' or 'innocent.' It gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly after being used by William Shakespeare in his play 'Cymbeline,' where Imogen is the virtuous and strong-willed heroine. In recent years, it has seen a rise in popularity in the U.S., peaking around 2014 when it was ranked approximately #380.

The name Imogen is derived from the Old Celtic name 'Innogen,' which translates to 'maiden' or 'girl.' Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 16th century, but it became more widely recognized after Shakespeare's play was published in the early 17th century. Over the centuries, it has appeared in various forms across languages, including as 'Imogen' in English and 'Imogène' in French, symbolizing innocence and purity in literature and culture.

Imogen originates from the Celtic language tradition, rooted in the ancient Gaelic and Brythonic languages of the British Isles. Names with Celtic roots often appear in adapted forms across multiple cultures — the core meaning “Maiden, Innocent” may be expressed differently in each language, but the essence remains.

If you are considering Imogen for a multicultural family, it is worth noting that longer names may be shortened or adapted in everyday use in other languages, which can be a charming feature of a globally-minded name. The name's 6-letter length and Celtic phonetics give it a distinctive presence that feels substantial and formal across cultures.