Spanish Names that Start With I

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.

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.

Israh which is also spelled Isra is a gender-neutral Muslim name.

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.

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.

Isamel appears to be a variant or alternative spelling of Ismael, which has Hebrew and Biblical origins. The traditional name Ismael (or Ishmael) means 'God will hear' or 'God has heeded,' and refers to the son of Abraham and Hagar in religious texts. This variation with the transposed letters gives the name a unique quality while maintaining its rich historical connections. Isamel carries the spiritual significance of its original form, suggesting someone who is heard by God or divinely acknowledged. While less common than the standard spelling, this variant might appeal to parents seeking a subtle twist on the traditional name. The name resonates across multiple cultures, appearing in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, making it versatile across different cultural backgrounds.

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.