Baby Names That Start With I: 29 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
I names are bright and distinctive, mixing nature names (Ivy, Iris) with strong classics (Ian, Isaac) and international choices (Imran, Iker). This list gathers 29 names that start with I, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Imogen, Isolde and Ignatius, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (15)
- IantheGreekviolet flowerRare and poetic.
- IdaGermanicwork, industriousA short, vintage name.
- ImaniSwahilifaithBright and widely used.
- ImogenCeltic (disputed)uncertain; often read as 'maiden'A Shakespearean heroine.
- IndiraSanskritsplendour, beautyRegal and rare.
- InesSpanish / Portuguesepure (from Agnes)Short and sophisticated.
- IngridNorseIng's beautyStrong and Scandinavian.
- IonaScottishfrom the island of IonaGentle, rare and island-inspired.
- IreneGreekpeaceA calm classic.
- IrisGreekrainbowA flower and the goddess of the rainbow.
- IsabelSpanishGod is my oathA classic form of Elizabeth.
- IsabellaItalianGod is my oathA top girls' name for years.
- IsadoraGreekgift of IsisArtistic and rare.
- IsoldeCeltic (disputed)uncertainA legendary lover in Arthurian tales.
- IvyEnglishthe ivy plantA fresh nature name.
Boy names (13)
- IanScottishGod is gracious (the Scottish form of John)Short and steady.
- IbrahimArabicfather of many (the Arabic form of Abraham)Widely used across the Muslim world.
- IdrisWelsh / Arabicardent lord (Welsh); interpreter (Arabic)Two traditions, one lovely name.
- IgnatiusLatinuncertain; sometimes read as 'fiery'A saint's name that is rare today.
- IgorNorse / RussianIng's warriorA Slavic classic.
- IkerBasquevisitationQuick and modern.
- ImranArabicprosperity, lifeStrong and widely used.
- IraHebrewwatchfulA short biblical name.
- IsaacHebrewhe will laughA biblical classic.
- IsaiahHebrewYahweh is salvationA prophet's name with a smooth sound.
- IshmaelHebrewGod hearsA literary and biblical name.
- IvanSlavicGod is gracious (the Slavic form of John)A Russian classic.
- IvarNorsebow warriorStrong and Scandinavian.
Unisex names (1)
- IndigoGreekthe deep blue dye (from India)Artistic and calm.
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How to choose
Mind the 'ee' and 'eye' sounds
Isla, Isaac and Iris start with an 'eye' sound, while Imogen, Ines and Isabel start with 'ih' or 'ee'. Say it out loud before you choose.
Nature names are plentiful
Ivy, Iris, Ianthe (violet) and Iona (an island) are all inspired by plants or places, with meanings that are easy to share.
Look at the biblical and Welsh options
Isaiah, Isaac and Ishmael are biblical, while Idris is Welsh and Arabic, with different meanings in each language.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with I?
Isabella, Ivy, Isla and Iris are popular for girls, while Isaac, Isaiah and Ian are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with I?
Ianthe, Isadora, Ignatius, Ivar and Idris are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with I?
Indigo is used for any gender, and Idris and Ira can also be used flexibly.
What I names mean peace?
Irene (Greek) means 'peace'.
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