'I' Names are Interesting Iconic Innovative
- Iago
Origin:
Welsh and Galician variation of James and JacobDescription:
Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.
- Ian
Origin:
Scottish version of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Ian is Scottish form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan. It is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Iain, which is also a viable spelling. Ian was introduced to Americans by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.
- Iantha
Description:
Iantha is a rare feminine name with ancient Greek origins. Derived from the Greek elements 'ion' (violet flower) and 'anthos' (flower), the name means 'violet flower' or 'purple bloom.' In Greek mythology, Iantha was a maiden loved by Iphis. This name combines exotic appeal with a classical heritage, offering a distinctive choice with historical depth. Though never widely used, Iantha enjoyed minor popularity during the Victorian era when exotic flower names were fashionable. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft 'th' sound and melodic ending. Its rarity gives it a special quality while still being pronounceable. Iantha may appeal to parents drawn to botanical names with mythological connections and an ethereal quality.
- Ianthe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"purple flower"Description:
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 daughter of Oceanus, supreme ruler of the sea, and also a Cretan woman so beautiful that when she died the Gods made purple flowers grow around her grave.
- Ibrahim
Origin:
Arabic variation of AbrahamMeaning:
"multitudes; father of many"Description:
Well used by Muslim parents across the world, Ibrahim is the Arabic variation of Abraham. Significant in multiple religions and with an international and well-travelled feel about it, Ibrahim has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1990s, and is currently popular in Azerbaijan, France, the UK, and Turkey.
- Icarus
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
Icarus, the mythological figure famous for flying too close to the sun, has a couple of negatives: his rash reputation, and those "icky" nicknames.
- Ichabod
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"the glory is gone"Description:
Ichabod, an eccentric Old Testament name, is forever tied to the character of Ichabod Crane -- and worse, the teasing possibilities of "icky bod." Even its original meaning is a negative. Skip Ichabod, as if you were ever tempted.
- Ida
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"industrious one"Description:
Many vowel names stylish a century ago are coming back, and Ida seems like a possible, logical successor to Ada and Ava.
- Idalia
Origin:
Greek, GermanicMeaning:
"behold the sun; work, labor"Description:
A pretty, if unusual choice for a summer baby, particularly a girl with an ancestor named Ida. An epithet of the goddess Aphrodite, Idalia is derived from the Greek place name Idalion.
- Idalie
Origin:
French and Swedish variation of Idalia, GreekMeaning:
"behold the sun"Description:
A warm, sunny, and extremely rare name, even within its native France. Idalie would be especially perfect to honor an Ida.
- Idaline
Description:
Idaline is a delicate feminine name with vintage charm. It likely developed as an elaboration of Ida, which has Germanic origins meaning 'industrious' or 'hardworking,' or possibly from the Old Norse meaning 'goddess.' The suffix '-line' adds a graceful, feminine quality. This uncommon name carries an air of antiquity and refinement, evoking images of the Victorian or Edwardian eras. Idaline has never been widely popular but represents the class of elaborate, ornate names that are occasionally rediscovered by parents seeking something distinctive with historical roots. The name offers several nickname possibilities including Ida, Lina, or Addie. With its flowing sound and romantic quality, Idaline combines old-world elegance with a distinctive character that stands out in contemporary settings.
- Idania
Description:
Idania is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Greek name Idana, related to Mount Ida, a sacred mountain in Greek mythology. Alternatively, it could have Slavic roots or be a variation of names like Idalia or Idina. The name has gained moderate popularity in Latin American countries, particularly in Cuba and parts of Central America. Idania has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants, creating a name that sounds both elegant and approachable. While not widely used in the United States or Europe, it has maintained consistent usage in Hispanic communities. The name carries a subtle exotic flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce across different languages.
- Idella
Origin:
Diminutive of Ida, GermanMeaning:
"industrious one"Description:
Ida is one of those terminally old-fashioned names that suddenly sounds fresh again, especially given how fashionable it is in Europe. Ida, usually pronounced ee-da, is a Top 100 name in Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, and is rising more gently in the US.
- Iden
Description:
Iden is a concise, modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Aiden (Irish for 'little fire') or could derive from place names in England. Some connect it to the Old English word 'denu' meaning 'valley.' Iden offers a contemporary sound while maintaining simplicity with its four letters and two syllables. The name has gained modest popularity in the 21st century, particularly appealing to parents seeking short, strong-sounding boy names that aren't overly common. Iden strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable in structure but not frequently encountered. The name conveys a sense of strength and individuality while being easy to spell and pronounce. Its brevity allows it to pair well with various middle and last names.
- Idetta
Description:
Idetta is a feminine name with Germanic origins, likely derived as a diminutive form of names containing the element "id" or "ith," meaning "work" or "labor." It may also be related to the name Ida, which comes from the Old Germanic element "id" meaning "industrious one." Idetta has a vintage, old-world charm that echoes naming patterns popular in the early 20th century. The suffix "-etta" adds a feminine, diminutive quality to the name. While never extremely common, Idetta has maintained a quiet presence in naming records, particularly in parts of Europe with Germanic influence. The name conveys a sense of delicate antiquity and industriousness, appealing to those drawn to rare names with historical depth.
- Idette
Description:
Idette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Ida. The base name Ida derives from Germanic elements meaning 'industrious' or 'hardworking,' or possibly from Old Norse meaning 'renewal.' The addition of the French diminutive suffix '-ette' gives this name a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining its classic roots. Idette is exceptionally rare, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with vintage European charm that few others will share. The name has a gentle, melodic sound with its two-syllable structure and soft ending. While never appearing on popular name charts, Idette carries an inherent sophistication and elegance that connects to its noble European heritage.
- Idina
Origin:
English variation of EdinaMeaning:
"from Edinburgh, Scotland"Description:
Made famous by actress Idina Menzel, of "Rent" and "Wicked" fame.
- Idonia
Description:
Idonia is a feminine name of medieval English origin, derived from Old French and Germanic roots. The name likely comes from the Germanic element 'id' meaning 'work' or 'labor,' combined with elements suggesting nobility or worthiness. Idonia was used in England during the Middle Ages but gradually faded from common usage by the Renaissance period. The name has a distinctly antique quality with its melodic four syllables and elegant sound pattern. Extremely rare in modern times, Idonia might appeal to parents drawn to historical revival names with an aristocratic flair. Its obscurity makes it an option for those seeking a name with medieval authenticity that remains largely undiscovered in contemporary naming circles.
- Idra
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"fig tree"Description:
Idra is one of the less obvious botanical names. In ancient times, a fig tree was a symbol of learning, peace, and prosperity.
- Idris
Origin:
Welsh; ArabicMeaning:
"lord; studious"Description:
A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.