Spanish Names that Start With I
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Isla
Origin:
Scottish place-name or SpanishMeaning:
"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.
- Isabella
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Isabel
Origin:
Spanish variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"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.
- Inigo
Origin:
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of IgnatiusMeaning:
"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.
- Itzel
Origin:
MayanMeaning:
"rainbow lady"Description:
This name, stemming from the Mayan mythological figure of the Rainbow Lady, is a surprising pop hit, primarily among Hispanic parents.
- Ishmael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Ignacio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"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.
- Isidro
Origin:
Spanish form of Isidoros, GreekMeaning:
"gift of Isis"Description:
Another Spanish boys' name that relates to a goddess, the Egyptian Isis. San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid.
- Ismael
Origin:
Spanish variation of IshmaelMeaning:
"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.
- Ilma
Origin:
Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary QuenyaMeaning:
"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.
- Iola
Origin:
Greek or WelshMeaning:
"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.
- Ilsa
Origin:
German variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
- Isaias
Origin:
Latin variation of IsaiahMeaning:
"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.
- Iago
Origin:
Welsh and Galician variation of James and JacobDescription:
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.
- Isra
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"journey of the night"Description:
Isra is a gender-neutral Arabic name. The name of a chapter of the Quran, it refers to the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.
- Isreal
Description:
Isreal is a masculine name that appears to be a spelling variant of Israel, with ancient Hebrew origins. The biblical name Israel carries profound significance, meaning "one who struggles with God" or "God contends," originating from the story of Jacob in the Book of Genesis. The Isreal spelling variant may have emerged through regional pronunciation differences or spelling adaptations. While less common than the traditional Israel spelling, Isreal maintains the same rich biblical and historical associations. The name connects to both the biblical patriarch and the modern nation, carrying spiritual significance across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Its distinctive spelling offers a subtle differentiation while preserving the name's cultural and religious heritage and powerful meaning.
- 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.
- Irati
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"fern field"Description:
For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.
- 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.
- Isidoro
Origin:
Spanish; Portuguese; Italian, from GreekMeaning:
"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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