feminine names beginning with i

Hilary may feel too connected to a single personality, but this version offers a fresh and interesting alternative.

Indiana is one of those place-names (think Camden and Trenton) that sounds cooler than the place that inspired it. Its fashionable -ana ending certainly sounds eminently name-like, and Indie/Indy/Indi is one of the hottest nickname names for girls right now.

Euphonious and long stylish in England, India was one of the fastest-rising names on the 2013 list, after jumping 240 spots back into the Top 1000.

Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.

Saint's name made infamous by Philippine dictator's wife Imelda Marcos. A more positive famous bearer is the British actress Imelda Staunton, best known for playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.

While this might look like a modern spelling of the classic Isabella, it is also the Hungarian and Polish form, pronounced with an EE sound at the beginning. A Top 50 name in Hungary and a Top 200 name in Poland, this form is also popular in Latvia.

A Top 200 choice in the US from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, Irma has nevertheless fallen out of favor with modern parents, and doesn't look set for the sort of comeback that some of her vintage sisters have enjoyed in recent years. The devastating hurricane which hit the Caribbean Islands and the south-east coast of the US in 2017 has no doubt dealt its chances of revival a further blow.

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

Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.

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.

Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.

Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.

A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.

Isobella is a feminine name that represents a beautiful variation of Isabella, which itself derives from Elizabeth. With Hebrew origins, the name ultimately means 'pledged to God' or 'God is my oath.' The spelling with 'o' instead of 'a' gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining its elegant, timeless appeal. Isobella gained popularity in English-speaking countries primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, part of the trend favoring elaborate, romantic girls' names. While less common than Isabella, which saw tremendous popularity in the 2000s, Isobella offers a slight uniqueness while still carrying the same classic heritage. The name has a melodious quality with its four syllables and conveys a sense of grace and femininity.

Izabelle is a feminine name representing a modern spelling variation of Isabella, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'devoted to God' or 'God is my oath'. This contemporary spelling with 'z' and double 'l' adds a distinctive twist to the classic name while maintaining its elegant sound and historical significance. Isabella became widely popular throughout Europe following the fame of Queen Isabella of Castile in the 15th century. The Izabelle variant began gaining modest attention in the early 2000s as parents sought unique spellings of traditional names. While less common than Isabella or Isabelle, Izabelle offers the same nickname options including Izzy, Belle, and Ella, combining traditional roots with a modern flair.