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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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Ilari

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"

    • Description:

      Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.
  10. Igor

    • Origin:

      Old Norse via Russian

    • Meaning:

      "warrior"

    • Description:

      Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
  11. 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.
  12. Irini

    • Description:

      Irini is a feminine name of Greek origin that directly translates to "peace." It is the modern Greek form of Eirene, who in Greek mythology was the goddess of peace and springtime, one of the Horai (Hours). The name has deep cultural significance in Greece and Cyprus, where it remains fairly popular. Irini has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants. While not common in English-speaking countries, the name has gained some international recognition due to globalization and multicultural naming trends. Its beautiful meaning and connection to the concept of peace gives it universal appeal, while its Greek origins provide a link to classical civilization and mythology. The variant spelling Eirini is also sometimes used.
  13. Irya

    • Origin:

      Variation of Irina, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Irya is an Irina diminutive, and rare even in its native country.
  14. Ignatiy

    • Description:

      Ignatiy is the Russian form of Ignatius, a masculine name with ancient Roman origins. Derived from the Latin name Ignatius, it comes from the word "ignis" meaning "fire," suggesting qualities of passion, energy, and warmth. The name gained prominence through Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, and Saint Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian martyr. In Russian culture, Ignatiy has been used since medieval times, often associated with religious devotion and intellectual pursuit. While common in Russia and Eastern European countries, it remains relatively rare in Western nations. The name carries a dignified, somewhat formal quality with its classical roots and religious associations.

  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. Irisha

    • Description:

      Irisha is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily considered a diminutive or variant form of Irina or Irene. The name carries the meaning 'peace' or 'peaceful' from its Greek roots. Irisha has a lyrical, melodic quality with its gentle ending, giving it a soft and affectionate feel. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some popularity in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, where diminutive forms of names are culturally significant and used as terms of endearment. The name blends traditional roots with a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common variants.

  20. Innokenti

    • Description:

      Innokenti is a masculine name with Russian and Eastern Orthodox origins, derived from the Latin name Innocentius, meaning "innocent" or "harmless." The name has historical significance in Russian culture, notably through Saint Innokenti of Alaska, an 18th-19th century Russian Orthodox missionary. In Russian naming traditions, it's often shortened to the affectionate forms "Kesha" or "Innoka." While common in Russia and Eastern European countries, Innokenti remains rare in Western nations. The name carries dignified associations with virtue and purity, reflecting its etymological roots in innocence. With its distinctive sound and meaningful heritage, Innokenti offers a strong option for parents seeking a name with Slavic character and substantial historical depth.