Last updated: March 2026

Character Name

Ima

Meaning — Of German origin, derived from the Old High German element ermen, meaning "universal" or "whole." It is considered a short form of names beginning with Irm- or Erm-, such as Irmgard and Ermengard. The name has also been used independently in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, with Texas philanthropist Ima Hogg (1882–1975) being a notable bearer.·Germanic origin·Female·EE-muh

Ima Ima is a rare, understated name with a slightly old-fashioned dignity — it suits a character who is quietly self-sufficient and unassuming, someone whose depth is revealed gradually rather than announced. Its brevity gives it a certain toughness, and it works particularly well in American Southern Gothic, rural historical fiction, or stories set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Best genres for Ima

Historical FictionLiterary FictionContemporary Fiction

Famous characters named Ima

No verified literary characters with this exact given name were found yet. We are continuously expanding this section.


Variations & nicknames

ImaIrmaIrmgardEmma

Pairs well with

Ima GarrettIma CaldwellIma WhitmoreIma TannerIma Pearce

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