Girl Name · Japanese Origin
Ima
Ima is a girl baby name of Japanese origin, meaning "Image". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Ima often also consider Ina.
Ima meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Image
Origin: Japanese naming roots help connect Ima to related Japanese baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Ima as I·M·A, with 3 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Ima is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Ima variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Imaa, Imae, Imay, Im.
- Nicknames: Ima works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Ima with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Ima middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Ina, Ian, Iona, Ione, Iain — full picks on the sibling names for Ima guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Ima? Browse our names like Ima guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Ima
What does the name Ima mean?
Ima means "Image" and is of Japanese origin.
What is the origin of Ima?
Ima originates in Japanese naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Ima?
Ima has 3 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Ima a boy's or girl's name?
Ima is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Ima in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Ima sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Ima?
Names that share Ima's sound and style include Ina, Ian, Iona, Ione, Iain.
What middle names pair well with Ima?
Good middle-name fits for Ima pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Ima is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Ima is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Ima?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Ima share its rhythm without rhyming — Ina, Ian, Iona all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.