African Names that Start With I

  1. Izara
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Basque, Hausa
    • Meaning:

      "shawl; star; section of tree"
    • Description:

      Attractive, rhythmic choice with roots in several languages and cultures. It's a lesser-known a celestial name, meaning "star" in Basque and referring to a star in the constellation Boötes in Arabic.
  2. Imena
    • Origin:

      African, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "dream; faith"
    • Description:

      A worthy update for Imani.
  3. Ife
    • Origin:

      African, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      Simple African name all-but-unknown in the U.S. and Europe, which is exactly why it might make a perfect choice. Similarity to such popular names as Ava and Eva (and the Irish Aoife) makes it more familiar, but potentially more confusing.
  4. Iyabo
    • Origin:

      African, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "mother has returned"
    • Description:

      A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.
  5. Idi
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "born during the Idd festival"
    • Description:

      Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.
  6. Ibo
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "my people"
    • Description:

      Ibo is short but striking. Another, unrelated but equally appealing name is Ivo.