Unique Names that Start With I

Illyria can trace all its varied associations to the name of an ancient place in the western part of the Balkan peninsula, also called Illyricum. Its inhabitants, conquered by the Romans in 168 BC, were called the Illyrians. Its mythological ancestor was Illyrius, a demigod and son of King Cadmus and the goddess Harmonia.
 
Illyria also plays a role in literature, both as a place-name and a character name. Shakespeare set his play Twelfth Night in a fictionalized Illyria, while more recently, Joss Whedon created a (female) character named Illyria, a powerful "Old One", for his show Angel. And there's a (male) Illyrio in Game of Thrones.
 
Although Illyria sounds similar to the cheerful Italian name Ilaria, it has a different root. The exact root of Illyria is speculated, but one theory is that it means "water snake".

Illyria

Io may be one of the slightest names in the book, but there aren't many two-letter names with as much substance as this Greek mythological example.  Io, a name used for the largest moon of Jupiter, was in classic myth raped by Zeus and escaped from him by changing herself into a cow. 

Iridiana is a name, predominantly used in Mexico, used as an even more elaborate form of Iridián. Both of these names are  related to the Greek name Iris, who in Greek mythology was the personification of the Rainbow. Iridiana is a frillier version of the name, likely to appeal to people who prefer Isabella to Isobel and Delphinia to Delphi.

Iridiana

Apparently a smoosh of Isabel and Mara, this name is used in Brazil, but very rare in the USA. For parents looking for alternatives to Isabella and Isadora, it could be an undiscovered gem.

Isamara

The mother goddess Ishtar (also called, or identified with, Ashtoreth, Ashtoret, Astarte and Inanna) was worshipped by the Assyrians and Babylonians as the goddess of love, war, justice and fertility. While the original meaning is unknown, the name possibly derives from "Attar" meaning the morning star. She has been equated with the Greek Aphrodite.

Ishtar

This French form of the name Ismeria is one of those <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-name-lists/category/unusual-names">uncommon names</a> that's been consistently used in France since the middle ages.The origins of this rare name are shrouded in mystery. Ismeria / Ismérie is an obscure figure in European Christian legend, sometimes purported to be the great-aunt of Jesus Christ, who is connected to the devotion of the Black Madonna.

Ismerie

Indu is truly unusual, but shares sounds with more popular choices like Indie and Indigo. Other moon names to consider: Luna, Serena, Io.

Indu

In the Old Testament, Ishvi is the name of one of Asher's sons.

Ishvi

Uncommon biblical name from the Old Testament.

Ithai

Imoen is the name of a character from the video game series Baldur's Gate, although in real life it's apt to be mistaken as a typo for Imogen.

Imoen

This unisex name ranks among the most popular girl names in Norway, though it has a number of different roots.
 
On one hand, it can be derived from the Danish ibenholt meaning "ebony", making it a color name. On the other, it can be a feminine form of Ib, a Danish short form of the Biblical Jacob. 
 
As a masculine name, it is usually considered a Frisian variation of Ivo, a nature name meaning "yew wood". This meaning could be applied generally, since it could still derive from the Germanic root iwa, meaning "yew".

Iben

The Indre is a river in France. Spelled Indra, it's the name of a powerful deity worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains — roughly the South Asian equivalent of the Greek Zeus or Norse Odin. But either Indra or Indre might make a simple, captivating, attractive name for a modern little girl. 

Indre

Innogen is the Shakespearean name that never was. Most sources will tell you that Shakespeare intended to use Innogen for a character in Cymbeline, but his printer mistook the twos Ns for an M, thus inventing Imogen. This may or may not be true — Imogen seems to have existed before his time, and Shakespeare may have changed the spelling on purpose — but nevertheless, it makes for a great name story.
 
The evidence is mixed on whether or not Shakespeare deliberately altered Innogen for his play, but he undoubtedly took it from Holinshed's Chronicles, comprehensive volumes of British history. Innogen was the wife of the first king of Britain, Brutus of Troy, who ruled in the 12th century. Prior to that, the name existed in various forms in Brittany, including Ennoguent, Innoguend, and Innoguent.
 
Popular consensus is that Innogen was ultimately was derived from the Gaelic word for "daughter," inghean, but the -guen(t/d) ending implies a relation to windos, the Proto-Celtic root meaning "white," from which we get -gwyn and -gwen today.
 
In modern times, Imogen has totally eclipsed Innogen in use (blame it on Shakespeare). It has never been recorded as a name in the US, making it a one-of-a-kind option for a daughter.

Innogen

If you like such uplifting New Age word names as Peace and Justice, the evocative and pretty Imagine should definitely be on your short list. 

Imagine

Imani has rested comfortably in the middle off the US popularity list for 30 years now. Spelling it Imonie makes it more rare, but potentially more confusing.

Imonie

Illumination is a many-syllabled entrant in the new-fashioned virtue name group, but doesn't stand much chance of rivaling shorter choices like Hope and Faith. 

Illumination

Ixia is a botanical name referring to a genus of plants native to South Africa. The name actually refers to an unrelated plant; those in the ixia family are commonly known as corn lilies.

Ixia

Ikea is a down-market version of the Chanel/Tiffany/Porsche brand-name-as-first idea. 

Ikea

Idonea is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Old English word 'idoneus' meaning 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Used rarely in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, the name carries an elegant, antiquated charm. Idonea appears in historical records from the 12th to 14th centuries before falling into obscurity. The name has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its four syllables and flowing vowel sounds. While extremely rare in modern usage, Idonea appeals to those drawn to historical names with literary qualities. Its uniqueness ensures distinctiveness while its classical roots provide cultural depth. For contemporary parents, Idonea offers a rare combination of ancient heritage, linguistic beauty, and historical significance.

Idonea

Invented in the early 20th century, along with similar names Sanelma and Anelma. Ihanelma was derived from the Finnish word ihana, meaning "lovely" or "sweet."

Ihanelma

unique names that start with the letter I, including Illyria, Io, Iridiana, Isamara, Ishtar, Ismerie, Indu, Ishvi, Ithai, Imoen, Iben, Indre, Innogen, Imagine, Imonie, Illumination, Ixia, Ikea, Idonea, and Ihanelma. (Page 6)

Unique Names that Start With I

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