Imre

Gender: Boy

Meaning: Contemporary name

Origin: Modern American

Popularity: Ranked #10074 in 2025 with 7 babies born.

History: Imre is a contemporary American name that emerged in the mid-20th century, first appearing in official U.S. records in 1958. Unlike many traditional American names with deep European or colonial roots, Imre represents the modern naming trend toward distinctive, phonetically appealing choices that prioritize individuality and sound over historical convention. Over the past seven decades, 188 children have been named Imre in the United States, with the name remaining relatively rare and exclusive. The name gained modest momentum in recent years, peaking in 2023 when 12 babies were named Imre, earning it a rank of #3034 in that year. This peak reflects broader American naming patterns favoring short, memorable names with uncommon vowel combinations and international flair. Imre's trajectory reveals the selective nature of its adoption. The name remained largely under the radar until the 2010s, when parents increasingly sought alternatives to mainstream American names. By 2025, the name has settled at a rank of #9714 with 7 births, suggesting a slight decline from its 2023 peak but continued presence in contemporary naming culture. The exclusively male usage of Imre in American records highlights how certain modern coinages develop gendered associations. Imre appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both timeless and inventive, with strong phonetic presence without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Nicknames: Immy, Ree, Im

Personality vibes: modern, independent, creative, thoughtful, distinctive

Sibling name pairings: Ezra, Rowan, Kai, Declan, Silas, Theo, Atlas

Middle name ideas: Imre James, Imre Alexander, Imre Benjamin, Imre Nathaniel, Imre Michael, Imre David, Imre Sebastian

Famous people named Imre:

• Imre Kertész — Hungarian-Jewish writer and Nobel Prize winner, though primarily known internationally.

Imre in America Today

Imre occupies a niche position in contemporary American naming culture as a name for parents deliberately seeking something unconventional yet accessible. The name appeals to a specific demographic: educated, culturally aware families who value uniqueness without embracing excessive eccentricity. Currently ranking outside the top 5,000 names, Imre remains rare enough to feel special while being straightforward enough to avoid pronunciation struggles in American English. The name's exclusively male usage in U.S. records suggests it has developed a clearly gendered association, though this could shift as naming conventions continue to evolve. Parents selecting Imre typically appreciate its short length, clean sound, and international resonance without cultural stereotyping. The name works well across various American regional and cultural contexts, making it a genuinely cosmopolitan choice for families of diverse backgrounds.

Naming Trends

Imre's journey in American naming statistics tells a story of gradual discovery followed by modest peaks and plateaus. First recorded in 1958, the name spent decades in relative obscurity, used sparingly enough to never crack the mainstream consciousness. Between its inception and 2020, Imre accumulated fewer than 50 recorded births across six decades. The 2020s marked an inflection point, as the name gained traction during a period when American parents increasingly turned toward distinctive, internationally-influenced names. The peak year of 2023, with 12 births and a #3034 ranking, represents the culmination of this gradual rise. However, 2025 data shows a pullback to 7 births and #9714 ranking, suggesting Imre may be settling into a stable but niche position rather than becoming a breakout trend. This pattern reflects how certain modern names experience brief moments of visibility before stabilizing at lower adoption rates.

Cultural Notes

Imre remains largely absent from American popular culture, entertainment, and media, which partly explains its continued rarity. The name lacks association with major celebrities, fictional characters, or public figures in the American mainstream. However, this absence can be viewed as advantageous for parents seeking a name without preexisting cultural baggage or expectations. Internationally, Imre carries stronger recognition, particularly in Hungarian-speaking communities where it has deeper historical roots. In the United States, Imre functions as a name that signals cultural awareness and cosmopolitan sensibility without requiring explanation or correction. The name's lack of American pop culture footprint means children named Imre will likely be the only one in their classroom, avoiding the saturation experienced by trendy names. For families with Hungarian heritage or international connections, Imre bridges cultural identity and contemporary American naming sensibilities effectively.

Similar names: imrie, imara, imarah, imari, imena, imer, imir, imiri

Name length: 4 letters

How common is Imre? About 1 in 475,500 babies born in 2025 were named Imre, or roughly 0 per day in the United States.

Explore more baby names at BabyNa.me — 29,000+ names with meanings, origins, and popularity trends.