Girls Names Beginning With I
- 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.
- Idamae
Origin:
English compound name, Ida + MaeMeaning:
"industrious + beloved"Description:
Idamae combines the classic name Ida with the southern suffix 'mae' to create a charming vintage feminine name.
- Ide
Description:
Ide is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it derives from the Gaelic 'Íde,' the Irish form of Ita, a revered 6th-century saint known as the 'foster mother of the saints of Ireland.' In Germanic contexts, Ide may be a shortened form of names containing the element 'id' meaning 'work' or 'labor.' The name also appears in Japanese culture with different meanings. This cross-cultural presence gives Ide a universal quality despite its brevity. The name's simplicity offers a minimalist elegance, with its single-syllable structure contrasting with today's trend toward longer names. Though uncommon in most Western countries, Ide provides a distinctive option for parents seeking a short, meaningful name with historical depth.
- Ila
Origin:
Scottish, Hindi, Hungarian, FinnishMeaning:
"from the island; earth, sacred speech; shining light; joy"Description:
A simple name that's rising fast in the US, likely inspired by the popularity of Isla and Ayla. This streamlined form might appeal to those who like Ana, Ivy, and Ada, and it brings a multicultural element to the name.
- Ilena
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilena-style variants have all been considered more stylish than Helen for many years.
- Ilene
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
- Illumination
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
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.
- Illuminée
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"illuminated"Description:
Illumination with a French accent.
- Ilona
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Helen, FinnishMeaning:
"shining torch; light; joy"Description:
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
- Imogen
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen is as pretty and classy as it is distinctive.
- Imogene
Description:
Imogene is a feminine name of Celtic origin, believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'imogen,' meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' Some scholars suggest it may also have connections to the Latin phrase 'Iphigenia,' from Greek mythology. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's play 'Cymbeline,' where the virtuous protagonist bears this name. Imogene enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, though it has seen renewed interest in recent years as part of the revival of vintage names. With its combination of classical literary associations and a distinctive, melodic sound, Imogene appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth, intellectual connections, and a touch of antiquated elegance.
- Indre
Origin:
French or SanskritMeaning:
"cave; possessing drops of rain"Description:
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.
- Innogen
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"daughter, maiden"Description:
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.
- Inspiration
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Inspiration might inspire some as a middle name choice.
- Integrity
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"integrity"Description:
Integrity may be an outstanding quality, but Honor or True may work better as names.
- Iolana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"soaring like a hawk"Description:
Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.
- Iolani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"hawk of royalty"Description:
Iolani feels quintessentially Hawaiian, a stylish origin for baby names these days thanks to Malia, the Hawaiian name of the Obamas' older daughter. The initial I is pronounced with a long e sound, as in Waikiki, and the name Iolani has four syllables.
- Iolantha
Description:
Iolantha is an elegant feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the elements 'ion' meaning 'violet flower' and 'anthos' meaning 'flower,' essentially translating to 'violet flower' or 'purple flower.' This lyrical name is a variant of Yolanda or Iolanthe, the latter made famous by Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera of the same name. Iolantha possesses a distinctly romantic, almost fairy-tale quality with its flowing syllables and classical roots. While never common in English-speaking countries, the name has occasional usage in Greece, Russia, and parts of Eastern Europe. In Russian tradition, Iolantha appears in Tchaikovsky's opera of the same name about a blind princess. The name evokes associations with natural beauty, delicacy, and a certain old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking something both unusual and classically rooted.
- Iolanthe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"violet flower"Description:
Iolanthe is known primarily through the 1882 Gilbert & Sullivan operetta of that name, in which the title character is a fairy. Iolanthe is a softer version of Yolanda, and is the kind of multi-syllabic classical name once considered too weighty for a modern baby girl, but now within the realm of possibility--this one as a dramatic twist on Violet. The biggest drawback is its variety of legitimate pronunciations in English.
- Irie
Origin:
JamaicanMeaning:
"positive and powerful"Description:
A name used in the Caribbean, taken from the Rastafarian term that translates best to "positive and powerful." Rastas often greet each other by saying, "Are you feeling Irie today?"