Boys Names Beginning With I

Ivan

Russian variation of John

"God is gracious"

Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool. Ivan is, of course, ubiquitous in Russian culture.…

Ignatius

Latin

"fiery"

The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical…

Ivo

Germanic, Slavic

"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"

Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o . It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of…

Ivor

Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr

"lord; yew tree, bow warrior"

Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this…

Imre

Hungarian, from German

"strength"

Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.

Isra

Arabic

"journey of the night"

Isra is a gender-neutral Arabic name. The name of a chapter of the Quran, it refers to the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.

Ichiro

Japanese

"firstborn son"

Ichiro is a good classic choice for the first boy in a Japanese family.

Ilkin

Turkish and Azerbaijani

"first"

Authentically spelled İlkin, this would be an unusual (to English speakers) pick for a firstborn boy.

Increase

Word name

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.

Ingo

German and Scandinavian

"protected by Yngvi"

An unusual name heard in contemporary Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, it's the male version of the more familiar Inga. It's the name of a German god, and attached to German-born soap star…

Ingram

German

"angel-raven"

An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.

Iolo

Welsh

"weathy lord"

Rhythmic Welsh nickname name, derived from the Welsh royal name Iorwerth, which has sometimes been anglicized as Edward.

Iskandar

Arabic variation of Alexander

Iskandar is one of the Arabic names for boys derived from a Western name.

Israh

Arabic

"night travel"

Israh which is also spelled Isra is a gender-neutral Muslim name.