In terms of boy names beginning with I, two varieties dominate. There are the each man names, the likable and acquainted favorites, like Isaac and Ian.
However then there are the daring boy names beginning with I, from Shakespeare’s Iago to Elba’s Idris.
Is there any center floor?
Perhaps. A saintly traditional and a few classic choices spherical out the checklist, too. However I ranks simply eighteenth out of the twenty-six letters of the alphabet when it comes to reputation. When it comes to vowels, it bests solely the letter U. So it’s no shock that we go from acquainted favorites to I’ve-never-heard-that-in-real-life fairly shortly.
Let’s take a look at the entire prospects, from the High 100 to the downright uncommon.
BOY NAMES STARTING WITH I IN THE US TOP 1000
ISAAC (#42)
In terms of I names, Isaac is the chief of the pack. This Outdated Testomony favourite comes with a pleasant which means: he’ll chuckle. Many names imply pleasure or happiness, however few names are so instantly tied to laughter.
ISAIAH (#56)
One other of a number of Biblical child boy names on this checklist, Isaiah additionally advantages from the ending -a sound, shared with Elijah and Luca and extra. The simplified Isiah is typically seen, too, however is much much less frequent.
IAN (#70)
Temporary and full, this Scottish spin on John entered within the US High 1000 within the Nineteen Thirties. It’s been within the High 100 for the reason that Eighties, making it a contemporary staple.
IVAN (#153)
The Slavic type of John, Ivan is the title of many a fictional Russian. That nice center V may make Ivan extra interesting in our Everett-Levi age.
ISRAEL (#229)
A deeply important place title, Israel began out as a private title. It has ranked within the US High 1000 yearly since information was first collected in 1880.
ISMAEL (#244)
Ishmael is a Biblical title and the unforgettable narrator of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Drop the ‘h’ and Ismael is the slimmed-down model, utilized in Spanish. It’s sometimes spelled Ismail, too.
IKER (#357)
A Basque title, Iker sounds a little bit like so many r-ending favorites for our sons. Retired footballer Iker Casillas put his title within the highlight.
IBRAHIM (#411)
The Arabic tackle Abraham.
ISAIAS (#440)
One other type of Isaiah, with that trendy -s ending. Simplified spelling Isais can also be sometimes used.
IZAIAH (#581)
A high-Scrabble-value tweak to Isaiah. It makes the nickname Izzy appear just a bit extra logical, too.
IDRIS (#788)
Actor Idris Elba makes his distinctive title immediately acquainted. It’s the title of a prophet within the Quran, but additionally a Welsh title with separate roots.
ISSAC (#790)
A barely totally different spelling of Isaac. You may also see Isac, Izaak, Isak, or Isaak.
IZAEL (#806)
Most probably a variation of the Outdated Testomony Azael, which means “God sees,” Izael – and Isael – had been first fashionable in Brazil.
ISHAAN (#869)
A Sanskrit title with an on-trend sound.
IZAN (#876)
A Spanish-language tackle Ethan.
IGNACIO (#879)
The Spanish type of fiery – and rarer – Ignatius.
IRA (#880)
An Outdated Testomony title which means watchful, Ira loved a a burst of recognition as Protestant households rediscovered Biblical picks. It’s been uncared for in current many years, however may comply with Ezra and Asa up the charts.
IMRAN (#933)
In Arabic custom, that is the title of Mary’s father. (The New Testomony calls him Joachim.)
UNCOMMON BOY NAMES BEGINNING WITH I
IAGO
A Welsh king and a Shakespearean villain. Disney borrowed the title for a nasty fowl in Aladdin. However Iago is finally simply one other type of the evergreen James.
ICARUS
A mythological title tied to a tragedy. Icarus and his father escaped imprisonment on wings they made themselves. However when Icarus flew too near the solar, the wax on his wings melted. The unhappy story probably explains why the title feels uncommon, however I like Seth Godin’s additions to the story – they usually may make the title extra wearable.
ICHABOD
A uncommon Outdated Testomony title, Ichabod brings to thoughts The Legend of Sleepy Hole.
IGNATIUS
The Roman household title takes its spelling from ignis – fireplace, in Latin. A number of saints reply to Ignatius, together with the founding father of the Jesuits spiritual order. Different varieties embrace Ignace and Ignazio, to call simply two.
IGOR
A Slavic tackle a Norse title, finally derived fro Yngvi, an historic Germanic god.
IKE
A mini title in the important thing of Max and Gus. Former president Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower lends it one thing of a midcentury vibe.
ILAN
A Hebrew title which means tree.
ILAY
It could be a Hebrew title which means energy – although at present, it’s hottest within the Netherlands, so different origins are attainable.
IMRE
The slimmed-down Hungarian tackle Germanic Ermenirch or Emmerich.
INDIANA
As in Jones. The films inform us that the intrepid explorer’s given title is Henry Walton, however the world is aware of Dr. Jones as Indiana – or Indy. It’s a spot title that works as a given title for many causes.
INDIO
Cool and breezy Indio is the city that hosts Coachella. Robert Downey Jr. gave the title to a son again in 1993.
INGRAM
It feels like a surname – and at present, it in all probability is. However Ingram’s roots are discovered with a Germanic given title, delivered to England by the Normans.
INNES and INNIS
A Scottish title, typically used as a an Anglicized type of Angus.
IRVING
Jewish households typically adopted Irving as an English title, substituting for Isaac or, within the case of songwriter Irving Berlin, Israel. The title peaked within the 1910s and feels uncommon at present. A number of the most well-known bearers have it as a surname (hoop star Kyrie Irving) or don’t look like Irvings in any respect. Actor Ving Rhames is definitely Irving.
ISANDRO
Homer’s Iliad provides us a personality referred to as Isandros. Isandro is the romantic Spanish-language type.
ISADORE, ISIDOR, ISIDORE
It means “reward of Isis,” as within the Egyptian goddess. A sixth-century Christian saint answered to the title, however in observe, it’s been most typical amongst Jewish households. Isidor Straus co-founded the division retailer Macy’s and famously misplaced his life aboard the Titanic.
ISSACHAR
One other Outdated Testomony title, Isaachar is considered one of Jacob’s twelve sons. The title carries the poetic which means “there may be reward.”
ITAI
A Biblical title which means “with me,” Itai has been well-used in fashionable Israel.
IVAR, IVER, and IVOR
An Outdated Norse title with a number of spellings, Ivar comes from a phrase which means “yew tree” and a second which means “warrior.”
IVO
Cousin to Yves and comparable names, Ivo comes from the factor iv, referring to the yew tree. Iven is a associated title.
What are your favourite boy names beginning with I? What would you add to this checklist?
Initially printed on March 8, 2021, this put up was up to date on November 29, 2021; January 23, 2023; September 25, 2023; and June 27, 2024.
