Why does everyone seem to hate the name Imogen?

Question

What is wrong with the name Imogen?

Answer 1

I love the name
Time to revive it

Answer 2

Nothing! ;) In fact, it's on my (very) short list. LOL

I think others' problem with it is that they're either completely unfamiliar with it or simply haven't bothered to actually look at the name, and assume it's Imogene (which doesn't seem to get quite as positive a reaction). Not my personal opinion -- though obviously I DO prefer the older Imogen form LOL -- but most seem to find the im-o-jeen spelling and pronunciation less attractive, and often comment on it sounding too "old fashioned." Funny, given the myriad of "old fashioned" names currently popular ... pretty much the entire top ten! LOL But all that is besides the point.

Simply put, people react negatively to Imogen because they're not used to it and/or misread it as Imogene. That's it. ;) I've learned to clarify the im-o-jen pronunciation when I mention it in writing, if nothing else to ensure that the reader takes that extra half-second to realize it does not say Imogene. LOL

And for what it's worth, the occasional correction is well worth it for such a lovely name. Because really, who cares if someone that knows nothing about the name or its long history might mispronounce it and/or simply not think it their style? Because I know very few who've reacted in this manner when actually hearing the name said aloud. Like I said ... lovely! ;)

Edited to add: Perhaps the up-and-coming actress Imogen Poots will help gain some familiarity for the name. ;) I know my husband loved seeing it in some credits, so if she becomes even more well-known, the name would be less likely to receive so many negative reactions, since people will actually recognize it. LOL Just a thought!

Answer 3

I love it! It is one of my favourites. And for all those people that say it is too "old" it's not. Gretrude is old, but Imogen is a classic that will never go out of style. Plus sophisticated old fashioned names are beautiful names for your children. Much better than the things parents are naming their children now. Ridiculuos names because they are 'different'.

Answer 4

Reminds me of a Imogene Coca ..comedienne and actress from the 50's

Old ladies name .. and Imogene was not a very pretty lady either.
Please don't give a plain jane name to your little one

Answer 5

Imogen is a Latin word or a Latin name which means IMAGE... it can also be spelled as Emogene or Emojean....
I guess people just aren't use to hearing the name coz' it's kinda unique...
But as for me Emojean is a cute name
it's not everyday that hear that kind of name

Answer 6

i guess people don't really like it because it's a very old fashioned name. and it doesn't really have a cute nickname that people can call her. maybe it would be better if you put a more creative spelling to it, so it would sound more up-to-date.

Answer 7

i like it. I prn it like Ema-jean

Imogen Charlotte

Answer 8

I don't know why everyone hates it, but I do too. I don't know why I hate it either. For some reason, it makes me think of something distateful that needs to be wiped off the counter with a damp cloth.

Answer 9

Is it a boy or girls name? I don't think I like it.. I just think that anyone given the name would be teased. For some reason when I look of it in makes me think of the phrase "Oh my God.."How is it pronounced? Em-o-gan? Emmett is much better...

Answer 10

i like it. But i like old names anyway. My sons are Spencer and Samuel. Nice, sturdy classic names.