Updated October 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
French variation of Isabel
"pledged to God"
With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist. Isabeau of Bavaria was the wife of King Charles VI of…
Place-name, Arabic
"land"
Often viewed as a tourist hotspot for those looking for sun, sea, and a buzzing club scene, Ibiza is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, also considered a World Heritage Site, with old…
Arabic
"honor"
This Arabic name is used for both girls and boys. The high-minded meaning can also be translated as esteem or veneration.
Ancient place-name, feminine variation of Illyrius, Greek
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,…
Greek mythology name
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,…
Spanish, Greek
"rainbow"
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…
Portuguese, meaning unknown
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.
Compound name of Iris and Beth
"iris flower + pledged to God; rainbow + pledged to God"
A mix of bright, floral Iris, with classic Elizabeth, Irisbeth made its debut to the US stats in 2025, when 16 girls received the name. Parents may have be inspired by the content creator, Irisbeth…
Greek
"knowledgeable"
Sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus in Greek mythology, Ismene's name is unlikely to make it in modern times because of its teasability factor. Ismay or Esme would be better bets.
"purple flower"
Like Violet, Lavender and Lilac, Ianthe is a purple flower name. Chosen by the poet Shelley for his daughter, Ianthe has a poetic, romantic, almost ethereal quality. In the ancient myth, she was the…
English, Norse
"love again, renewal"
Idony is a Medieval variation of Idonea, itself an English form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth. She was notable for carrying, keeping, and guarding the box of apples from…
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…
Word name
Ikea is a down-market version of the Chanel/Tiffany/Porsche brand-name-as-first idea.
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.
English word name
"to form a mental image"
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.
Celtic
"daughter, maiden"
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…
French or Sanskrit
"cave; possessing drops of rain"
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…
Hindi
"moon"
Indu is truly unusual, but shares sounds with more popular choices like Indie and Indigo. Other moon names to consider: Luna, Serena, Io.
Hawaiian
"name chant"
Inoa is an evocative choice from the South Seas.
Inspiration might inspire some as a middle name choice.