Imre

Imre is a male first name that represents the Hungarian variant of the old German name Emmerich. This name derives from the Gothic name Amalrich, meaning "the diligent ruler," or from the Germanic Ermenrich, which can be translated as "the great ruler." The name Imre gained recognition through the veneration of Saint Imre, a Hungarian prince from the 11th century.

What does the name Imre mean?

The first name Imre is the Hungarian equivalent of the old name Emmerich, which derives from the Gothic Amalrich and carries the meaning "the diligent ruler." Additionally, it has roots in the Germanic Ermenrich, meaning "the great ruler." The spread of the name Imre is particularly attributed to the veneration of Saint Imre, who lived in the 11th century. Even today, Imre is a widely used first name in Hungary, while it is rather rare in Germany. Variants in other languages include Emery, Amery, and Emory (English), Aymeric and Emeric (French), as well as Amerigo (Italian) and Americo (Spanish, Portuguese).

Where does the name Imre come from?

The name Imre has its roots in Old High German and East Gothic and can be associated with meanings such as "the diligent ruler" or "the great ruler." In Old High German, it is composed of the elements 'erman,' meaning 'great' or 'all-encompassing,' and 'rihhi,' meaning 'powerful' or 'ruler.' The Gothic component is 'amals,' meaning 'brave' or 'diligent.' The language from which Imre originates is Hungarian.

How do you pronounce Imre?

The pronunciation of Imre is clear and concise: the name is two syllables and is usually pronounced in Hungarian as "Im-re" [ˈimrɛ]. The short I sound at the beginning provides a focused tone, while the middle consonant combination gives the name a distinctive structure. The ending "-re" sounds open and soft. Imre conveys a traditional and independent impression that is calm, concentrated, and sonically clear.

When is the name day of Imre?

The name day for Imre is celebrated in Germany on November 4 and in Hungary on November 5, in memory of Saint Imre or Emmerich.

Popularity

In Germany, Imre is relatively rare as a first name. Currently, it ranks 4,024th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2013 at rank 1,405. In the last ten years, Imre has been given as a first name about 40 times, placing it 3,945th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 3,511th.

Nicknames & pet names

Imi / Immi / Imsti

Famous people

• Saint Imre (Emmerich) (Hungarian saint)
• Imre Augustich (Hungarian writer)
• Imre Bajor (Hungarian actor)
• Imre Biro (Hungarian handball player)
• Imre Csik (Hungarian alpine skier)
• Imre Csiszar (Hungarian mathematician)
• Imre Eross (Romanian bishop)
• Imre Foldi (Hungarian weightlifter)
• Imre Frivaldszky von Frivald (Hungarian botanist)
• Imre Henszlman (Hungarian archaeologist)
• Imre Hercz (American physicist)
• Imre Kalman (Hungarian composer)
• Imre Kertész (Hungarian writer and Nobel Prize laureate in literature)
• Imre Kertesz (Hungarian writer)
• Imre Koszegi (Hungarian jazz musician)
• Imre Madach (Hungarian playwright)
• Imre Nagy (1953-1956 Hungarian Prime Minister (1896-1958))
• Imre Payer (Hungarian footballer)
• Imre Polyak (Hungarian wrestler)
• Imre Rajczy (fencer)