Imre Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: EEM-ray /ˈim.rɛ/
Origin: Hungarian; Old German
Meaning: Hungarian: 'brave'; Old German: 'powerful'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Imre has its roots in the Old High German name 'Emmerich,' which is composed of the elements 'ermen,' meaning 'universal' or 'whole,' and 'ric,' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' This name was adapted into various forms as it spread across different cultures and languages. The Hungarian variant, Imre, emerged from the Old High German through the influence of the Slavic languages and the historical interactions of the Hungarian people with Germanic tribes.
The transition into English occurred primarily through the adoption of the name in the context of Hungarian culture, particularly during the 19th century when interest in Hungarian history and literature grew in Western Europe. Historically, Imre is associated with significant figures, notably Imre Thököly, a Hungarian nobleman and leader in the 17th century who played a crucial role in the struggle for Hungarian independence from Habsburg rule.
The name also appears in various literary works and historical texts, reflecting its enduring presence in Hungarian culture. Additionally, the name is linked to Saint Emeric of Hungary, a 10th-century prince and martyr, who is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
His life and legacy contributed to the name's prominence in Hungary, especially as it became associated with nobility and piety. Culturally, Imre carries connotations of strength and leadership, resonating with the historical significance of its etymological roots.
The name has been celebrated in Hungarian folklore and literature, often symbolizing the virtues of bravery and nobility. Its diminutive form, 'Imi,' is also used affectionately, showcasing the name's versatility in personal and familial contexts.
Overall, Imre reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance, marking its place in the heritage of Hungarian names.
Famous people named Imre
In this section, you will find notable people named Imre. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Imre who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Imre who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Imre Kertész is a Hungarian author best known for Fatelessness, Kaddish for an Unborn Child, and Liquidation.
Imre Nagy was a Hungarian revolutionary leader best known for his role in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Imre, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Imre. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Imre was first seen in the United States in 1958.
Imre has ranked as high as #14450 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Imre has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Imre is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Imre was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Imre.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 7 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | 12 | 12 |
| 2022 | 6 | 6 |
| 2021 | 9 | 9 |
| 2020 | 10 | 10 |
| 2019 | 9 | 9 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 |
| 2017 | 7 | 7 |
| 2015 | 5 | 5 |
| 2014 | 6 | 6 |
| 2012 | 10 | 10 |
| 2008 | 8 | 8 |
| 2007 | 7 | 7 |
| 2004 | 5 | 5 |
| 1990 | 6 | 6 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1972 | 5 | 5 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 |
| 1968 | 6 | 6 |
| 1966 | 6 | 6 |
| 1965 | 5 | 5 |
| 1964 | 9 | 9 |
| 1963 | 8 | 8 |
| 1962 | 6 | 6 |
| 1960 | 8 | 8 |
| 1958 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Imre
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.