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Russian Names that Start With I

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Ivan

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.
  2. Ilya

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Elijah

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my God"

    • Description:

      A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov." Unfortunately, he spends most of his life in his bathrobe and slippers.
  3. Irina

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Irina is a Russian ballet-inflected classic, one of the Three Sisters in the Chekhov play. While some Americans will pronounce this like Irene with three syllables, the pronunciation used throughout Europe, where it's widely used, starts with a short i as in it or if and a strong emphasis on the second syllable.
  4. Ira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Russian, Greek, Finnish, Sanskrit, "watchful one; peace; protectress; earth

    • Description:

      Truly multi-cultural, Ira can be: a Russian short form of Irina, meaning "peace"; a gender-switch of the Hebrew male name Ira, meaning "watchful"; a modern Greek and Finnish form of Hera, meaning "hero" or "protectress"; a Sanskrit name meaning "earth" or "enjoyment"; and a Basque nature name meaning "fern", from the word iratzea.
  5. Igor

    • Origin:

      Old Norse via Russian

    • Meaning:

      "warrior"

    • Description:

      Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
  6. Inessa

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Ines; Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, chaste"

    • Description:

      Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.
  7. Ivanna

    • Origin:

      Feminine of Ivan, which is itself a variation of John

    • Description:

      Ivanna / Ivana both come out of the name "John" by way of the Russian variant Ivan. Whereas Joanna feels dated, Ivanna feels cosmopolitan and fresh. Ivanka (of Trump fame) is a diminutive version of Ivanna.
  8. Izabela

    • Description:

      Izabela is a beautiful Slavic and Polish variation of Isabella, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath'. This spelling is particularly common in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. Izabela carries the same regal qualities as its more common counterpart while offering a distinctive cultural connection. The name evokes images of strength and dignity, having been borne by numerous queens and noblewomen throughout European history. In Poland, it ranks among the more popular feminine names. Izabela offers the appealing nickname options of Iza, Bela, or Bella. The name balances classic elegance with a touch of exotic appeal, making it increasingly attractive to parents seeking names with international flair yet recognizable pronunciation.

  9. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  10. Ilari

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"

    • Description:

      Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary. Used as a masculine name in Finland, it is used, albeit quietly, as a unisex option elsewhere.
  11. Irisa

    • Description:

      Irisa is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Iris, the Greek name meaning 'rainbow' and associated with the goddess who served as a messenger between gods and humans. Another possibility is that it's derived from the Slavic name Irisha, a diminutive of Irina meaning 'peace.' Some may also see it as a creative variation of Irish or Irisha, giving it a connection to Ireland. Irisa has a modern, melodic quality with its soft sounds and rhythmic syllables. While not among the most common names, its uniqueness and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, tranquility, and colorful vibrancy.

  12. Ivona

    • Description:

      Ivona is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, and Poland. It's a variant of Yvonne, which ultimately derives from the Germanic element 'iv' meaning 'yew' (a type of tree). In Slavic countries, Ivona has been used since the medieval period and carries associations with strength and resilience. The name experienced periods of popularity in Eastern Europe during the mid-20th century. Ivona has a melodic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, making it flow easily in pronunciation. While less common in English-speaking countries, it offers an accessible yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Eastern European heritage.

  13. Iryna

    • Description:

      Iryna is a Slavic feminine name, primarily used in Ukrainian and Belarusian cultures as their version of Irene. The name derives from the Greek 'Eirene,' meaning 'peace.' Iryna carries a beautiful cultural heritage and has gained recognition beyond Eastern Europe, especially with increased global awareness of Ukrainian culture. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp pronunciation and meaningful etymology. While maintaining its traditional Slavic roots, Iryna offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Western versions like Irene or Irina. The 'y' spelling gives it a unique visual appearance while preserving the authentic pronunciation from its origin countries. Iryna represents peace and harmony, qualities that transcend cultural boundaries.
  14. Ignati

    • Description:

      Ignati is a masculine name that serves as a variant of Ignatius, which derives from the Latin name Ignatius, originally from the Roman family name Egnatius. The root meaning may connect to the Latin word "ignis" meaning "fire." This form of the name is particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially in Russian and Slavic naming traditions where it might be spelled Игнатий. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, is perhaps the most famous bearer of the root name. While Ignati is uncommon in Western countries, it maintains usage in Orthodox Christian communities. The name carries connotations of passion, intelligence, and spiritual devotion through its connection to both fire and notable religious figures.
  15. Irena

    • Origin:

      Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
  16. Ignat

    • Description:

      Ignat is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russia, Bulgaria, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Latin name Ignatius, which comes from the Roman family name Egnatius, possibly meaning "fiery" or related to the Latin word "ignis" (fire). The name gained significance in Christian tradition through St. Ignatius of Antioch and later St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. In Russian culture, Ignat has been used for centuries, often shortened to the affectionate forms Ignatka or Ignatiy. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Eastern European heritage and historical depth. The name projects strength and carries cultural richness.
  17. Iustin

    • Description:

      Iustin is a masculine name of Romanian origin, representing a regional variation of Justin, which derives from the Latin name Justinus, meaning 'just' or 'fair.' This spelling reflects the phonetic pronunciation in Romanian and some Eastern European languages. While less common globally than the standard Justin spelling, Iustin maintains popularity in Romania and nearby regions. The name carries connotations of integrity, fairness, and righteousness due to its Latin roots. Historically, the name gained significance through several early Christian saints and martyrs named Justinus. Iustin offers parents a distinctive spelling of a classic name, maintaining the strong, virtuous meaning while adding cultural specificity and uniqueness.
  18. Ioann

    • Description:

      Ioann is a masculine name with deep historical roots, representing a variant of John that's primarily used in Eastern European cultures, particularly in Russian, Ukrainian, and Romanian traditions. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Ioann maintains the spiritual significance of its origin while offering a distinctive pronunciation. In Orthodox Christian countries, the name gained popularity through various saints and religious figures. While uncommon in Western countries, Ioann provides a unique alternative to the ubiquitous John, carrying both historical gravitas and cultural specificity that appeals to parents seeking a name with traditional significance but uncommon usage.
  19. Irya

    • Origin:

      Variation of Irina, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Irya is an Irina diminutive, and rare even in its native country.
  20. Israil

    • Description:

      Israil is a masculine name primarily used in Central Asian, Russian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cultures. It's a variant of Israel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'he who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' In Islamic tradition, Israil (also spelled Israfil) is the name of an archangel responsible for blowing the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment. The name carries deep religious significance across multiple faiths, connecting to both the biblical patriarch Israel (Jacob) and the angelic figure. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Israil has steady usage in Muslim communities and regions with Turkic and Persian influence. The name conveys strength, spiritual connection, and cultural heritage.