Imin is the earliest recorded Elf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.
In Tolkien’s account, the first Elves awaken beside Cuiviénen in the far east of Middle-earth. Imin is the first to awaken, followed by his spouse Iminyë. He then encounters Tata and Tatië, and later Enel and Enelyë, who are the leaders of the other early groups.
These six Elves gather more companions and become the ancestors of the three original clans: the Minyar, Tatyar, and Nelyar. The clans eventually develop into the Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri. The story appears in Tolkien’s later writings about the awakening and early history of the Elves.
Imin is not the same figure as Ingwë, Finwë, or Elwë. Ingwë leads the Vanyar, Finwë leads the Noldor, and Elwë, later known as Thingol, becomes a major leader among the Teleri. Their prominence in later narratives makes them easier to remember than Imin.