Girls Names Beginning With I

Isaline

French variation of Isabelle

A trendy name in France, sometimes also spelled Ysaline, that's related to both Isabelle and Iseult. To the American ear, it freshens up Isabelle without really improving on it.

Ishi

Japanese

"stone"

Connotes a strong, solid character.

Islet

English

"small island"

If Isla feels too mainstream.

Ismay

Possible variation of Esme

"esteemed, beloved"

The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain…

Isme

Variation of Esme, French, Persian

"esteemed; beloved; emerald"

While the traditional Esmé is pronounced EZ-may, the Isme variation would suggest an IZ-may pronunciation.

Isra

Arabic

"nocturnal journey"

An Arabic name with a powerful and alluring meaning, in Islamic tradition, Isra refers to one part of the Night Journey that the Prophet Muhammad, in which he led other prophets such as Ibrahim, Isa,…

Iva

Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Slovak, Czech, English

"willow tree; God is gracious; yew tree; bow warrior"

Short, sweet, and sharp, this multicultural choice is currently popular in Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While not in the charts elsewhere, it is familiar in English…

Ivetta

Ivetta is a feminine name with medieval European origins, functioning as a variant of Yvette. Both names derive from the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew wood,' which was historically associated with…

Ivette

French variation of Yvette

Feels more modern than the Y version but also less authentic.

Ivonne

French variation of Yvonne

The I freshens up this name.

Ixia

Greek

"pine thistle"

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.

Izara

Arabic, Basque, Hausa

"shawl; star; section of tree"

Attractive, rhythmic choice with roots in several languages and cultures. It's a lesser-known a celestial name, meaning "star" in Basque and referring to a star in the constellation Boötes in Arabic.

Izzy

Diminutive of Isabel and Isabella

The longer Isabella stays in the Top 10—and it's been there for more than a decade—the more we hear the nickname Izzy (especially if we watch Grey's Anatomy ). it's just a matter of time before it…