Imogene

Imogene is a form of Imogen, the name associated with the heroine of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline. The literary name is generally connected with Innogen, with Imogen thought to have emerged through a printing or transcription error. Innogen is probably related to a Gaelic word meaning “daughter” or “maiden,” so that meaning is best treated as probable rather than certain.

The final e in Imogene often accompanies a different ending in English speech from Imogen, giving the two forms distinct everyday identities. Imogene also has a recognizable American cultural association through comedian and actress Imogene Coca. Parents drawn to it can explore both the Shakespearean connection and its later use as a personal name. Immy or Gene offers a shorter form without requiring the full spelling to change.