Spanish Names that Start With I

  1. Isla
    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "island"
    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  2. Isabella
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Isabella has been a Top 10 name for girls in the US for two decades now. The Latinate form of Isabel, a variation of Elizabeth which originally derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, Isabella reigned as Number 1 in 2009 and 2010.
  3. Isabel
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Isabel derived from Elizabeth in southwest Europe during the Middle Ages. It was originally written as Elisabel, but the first syllable was dropped as it spread across the continent. In Spain and Portugal, Isabel and Elizabeth are considered to be variations of the same name, but they are treated as separate names in other European countries and the US.
  4. Inigo
    • Origin:

      Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
    • Meaning:

      "fiery"
    • Description:

      Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones. The sixteenth-seventeenth century Jones shared his name with his father, a London clockmaker, who received it when Spanish names for boys were fashionable in England, especially among devout Roman Catholics.
  5. Itzel
    • Origin:

      Mayan
    • Meaning:

      "rainbow lady"
    • Description:

      This name, stemming from the Mayan mythological figure of the Rainbow Lady, is a surprising pop hit, primarily among Hispanic parents.
  6. Ignacio
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "fiery"
    • Description:

      Ignacio, like Horacio, makes its gray-bearded English equivalent name sound positively dashing. While the Ig- beginning summons up such associations as ignoble and ignorant, the era for Ignacio and Ignatius and Iggy may be nigh.
  7. Ishmael
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God will hear"
    • Description:

      Ishmael is most familiar through "Call me Ishmael," the opening line spoken by the youthful narrator of Moby-Dick. Few American parents have followed that advice, though the Spanish and Arabic spelling, Ismael, ranks at Number 362. With its warm and pleasant sound, though, we could see Ishmael tagging along behind Isaiah and Isaac.
  8. Ilsa
    • Origin:

      German variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
  9. Ismael
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ishmael
    • Meaning:

      "God will hear"
    • Description:

      Ismael is Spanish and Portuguese rendition of the Biblical name Ishmael and the form used in the Greek New Testament. Currently, it is the variant that ranks most highly on the US charts and it is popular among the Hispanic community, both in the US, and globally.
  10. Iago
    • Origin:

      Welsh and Galician variation of James and Jacob
    • Description:

      Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.
  11. Isaias
    • Origin:

      Latin variation of Isaiah
    • Meaning:

      "Salvation of the Lord"
    • Description:

      Widely used in the Hispanic community, as is the shorter Isai. While the original Isaiah and cousin Isaac are much more popular, Isaias commanded attention as the name of a storm in the summer of 2020.
  12. Iola
    • Origin:

      Greek or Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "violet; beautiful lady"
    • Description:

      Isla is hot, Iona is cool – maybe it's time Iola got a second look? Last heard from on Carol Burnett's Mama's Family show, Iola feels like just the sort of uncommon, vowel-rich, vintage name that should be ripe for rediscovery.
  13. Ilma
    • Origin:

      Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary Quenya
    • Meaning:

      "air; starlight"
    • Description:

      A name that's unknown in the US and Britain but is popular as a nature name in Finland. May also be known as a Hungarian variation of Amelia and a Spanish form of Wilhelmina.
  14. Isidro
    • Origin:

      Spanish form of Isidoros, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"
    • Description:

      Another Spanish boys' name that relates to a goddess, the Egyptian Isis. San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid.
  15. Ignacius
    • Description:

      Ignacius is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Ignatius, derived from the Roman family name Egnatius, possibly of Etruscan origin. The name gained prominence through Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, and Saint Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian martyr. While the standard spelling Ignatius is more common, Ignacius offers a slight variation that maintains the name's dignified historical roots while softening its appearance slightly. The name carries connotations of fiery devotion—partly due to the folk etymology connecting it to the Latin word ignis meaning "fire." Though uncommon in contemporary use, Ignacius possesses a strong, classical quality with intellectual and religious associations that appeal to parents seeking a distinguished name with historical depth.
  16. Ignazio
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian form of Ignatius, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "fire"
    • Description:

      Ignazio is the Spanish and Italian form of Ignatius, a masculine name derived from the Latin 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This passionate name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Ignazio carries a rich cultural heritage, particularly in Italy and other Catholic regions where it has maintained steady popularity through generations.
  17. Isolda
    • Description:

      Isolda is a feminine name with Celtic and Germanic origins, best known from the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde (also spelled Iseult or Isolde). The name may derive from elements meaning 'ice' and 'ruler' or 'battle,' though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. Isolda carries an air of romance, tragedy, and medieval nobility due to its legendary associations. While never extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout European history, experiencing occasional revivals when medieval themes become popular in culture. The name offers a dramatic, romantic option with rich literary connections. Isolda appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and a touch of mystical, legendary quality.

  18. Izabella
    • Origin:

      Variation of Isabella, Hungarian, Polish, and English
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      While this might look like a modern spelling of the classic Isabella, it is also the Hungarian and Polish form, pronounced with an EE sound at the beginning. A Top 50 name in Hungary and a Top 200 name in Poland, this form is also popular in Latvia.
  19. Ignocio
    • Description:

      Ignocio appears to be a variant spelling of Ignacio, a masculine name with deep Latin roots. It derives from the Roman family name Ignatius, stemming from the Latin word "ignis" meaning "fire." This connection gives the name associations with passion, warmth, and illumination. The name gained popularity through St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. The spelling variant with "cn" instead of "c" is uncommon but creates a distinctive appearance while maintaining the traditional pronunciation (roughly ig-NAH-see-oh or ig-NAH-cho). While standard Ignacio remains popular in Spanish-speaking cultures, this variant offers a unique twist. The name carries a dignified, classical quality with potential nicknames including Iggy or Nacio.
  20. Isidoro
    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese; Italian, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"
    • Description:

      While Isidore feels bookish and stern, Isidoro has a more romantic sound, with its handsome -o ending.

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