Arabic Names that Start With I

A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.

Inaya is a soft and expressive name that derives from the Arabic word "inayah", meaning "care, concern, help". It is an indirect Qur'anic name, and the strictly feminine form of the unisex Inayat.

Issa might make more sense if you're using it as a nickname for any one of the various names ending in -issa, but this spelling is also an Arabic and Hebrew boy name. The Isa spelling is almost exclusively feminine.

Another strong Arabic name, related to Iman. Imani one is popular throughout the Muslim world but especially East Africa. It was chosen for her daughter by actress Jasmine Guy.

Well used by Muslim parents across the world, Ibrahim is the Arabic variation of Abraham. Significant in multiple religions and with an international and well-travelled feel about it, Ibrahim has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1990s, and is currently popular in Azerbaijan, France, the UK, and Turkey.

Streamlined spelling of the biblical name, as in basketball great Isiah Thomas, falling fast from its height in the charts.

The Arabic name Idrissa is related to the more common form Idris, which is the name of a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch). Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa. Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the UK, is probably the most famous person with this name.

One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.

Ismeal is a male name that appears to be a spelling variation of Ishmael or Ismael. The traditional name has Hebrew origins meaning 'God will hear' or 'God has heard.' In Biblical tradition, Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar. This specific spelling variant, Ismeal, is quite uncommon and may have developed through regional pronunciation differences or as a unique adaptation by families seeking a distinctive version of the traditional name. While the standard spellings Ishmael and Ismael are relatively common in various cultures, particularly in Muslim communities where Ismail is an important prophet, the Ismeal variant remains rare. The name carries connotations of being heard or acknowledged by divine forces.

The Arabic and Urdu form of the cheerful Isaac, itself derived from the Hebrew Ytizchak, Ishaq is familiar in the UK and in France and was a fast rising choice in 2023. In Islamic tradition, Ishaq is the name of a prophet and the son of Ibrahim and Sarah.

This classic, handsome Arabic name — cognate of the Hebrew Ishmael — was chosen by Tan and Rob France for their son born in 2021. Ismail is the preferred spelling in England, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, while Ismael ranks higher in countries with native Spanish speakers, including the US.

Ismeil is a masculine name variant of Ismail (or Ishmael), with Arabic origins. The traditional form Ismail appears in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions as the name of Abraham's son. The meaning is often interpreted as 'God has heard' or 'God will hear.' This variation maintains the spiritual significance while offering a slightly different spelling. Though less common than the standard Ismail/Ishmael forms, Ismeil carries the same rich cultural heritage and religious importance. In Muslim communities, the name honors the prophet Ismail, who is considered an important figure in Islamic tradition. The name has moderate popularity in Middle Eastern and Muslim communities worldwide.