Origin
The name Iman has roots in Arabic, where it means 'faith' or 'belief'. It is derived from the Arabic root 'a-m-n' which relates to faith and trust. The name has spread across the Muslim world and beyond, often associated with religious significance. While Iman is primarily of Arabic origin, it has been adopted in various cultures worldwide, including Australian multicultural contexts.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'faith' or 'belief'. In Australian English contexts, it signifies trust, confidence, and conviction, often carrying spiritual or philosophical connotations.
Pronunciation
/ɪˈmɑːn/ (Australian English: /ɪˈmæn/ or /ˈiːmən/ depending on regional pronunciation) with emphasis on the second syllable, sounding like 'ee-MAHN' in formal contexts.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Iman (original Arabic spelling)
- Imané (less common variant)
- Imaan (alternative transliteration)
Nicknames
- Imi
- Im
Name Days
- 4 July (Feast of the Virgin Iman) in some Christian calendars, though not widely observed in Australia.
- 10 May (Māori Astrological Festival) — but no specific association with the name Iman, as it pertains more to Māori cultural traditions.
- Cultural events in Australia recognising faith and belief, including Interfaith and community faith days.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with iman:
- Amira and Iman (for complementary names)
- Sophie and Iman (for modern pairing)
- Lina and Iman (for Middle Eastern-inspired combinations)
Fun Facts
- The name Iman gained international popularity partly due to the renowned Somali-American supermodel Iman who has Australian connections through fashion campaigns.
- In Australia, Iman is also a popular name among Muslim communities, reflecting the country's multicultural society.
- There have been notable Australian sportspeople and artists named Iman, contributing to its modern appeal.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name iman:
- faithful
- trustworthy
- spiritually inclined
- confident
- kind-hearted
Aesthetic Qualities
Clean and elegant with a soft yet powerful visual impression, fitting well with modern and traditional styles in Australian typography and design arts.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in urban centres with diverse populations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting their multicultural demographics and vibrant Muslim communities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 (calculated via Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical prowess — fitting given the name's meaning.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations are linked to the name Iman, but individuals with this name are often considered to have a harmonious connection with the zodiac signs of Pisces and Cancer, which are associated with faith and emotional depth.
Historical Context
While Iman is a relatively modern name in Australia linked to the global diaspora, it has significant cultural importance for Muslim Australians and has been adopted into broader Australian society as a name representing faith and belief.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adaptable across languages as Iman is used directly in many languages; transliterations may vary, but pronunciation is generally understood globally.
Famous People Named iman
- Iman (supermodel and actress, known internationally and in Australia)
- Iman Hussein (Australian Muslim community leader)
- Iman Shumpert (international basketball player, with Australian fans due to international leagues)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 2 |
2015 | 1 |
2013 | 1 |