Girl Names That Start With I

Names starting with the letter “I” have a unique charm. They often sound poetic, elegant, and mythological.

This is not by chance, as many of these names come from myth, legend, and history. They have roots in Italian, Greek, Old Norse, and African languages like Igbo or Ibibio.

These origins give a diverse list to choose from, offering names that are both popular and unique.

Here are some beautiful names that start with “I”.

Popular Girl Names That Start With I

Isabella

Isabella stands out as a favorite among girl names starting with the letter I. A choice for many royals, like Queen Isabella of Castile, the name has roots in Elizabeth, from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means “my God is an oath.”

It’s also held by celebrities such as actress Isabella Rossellini.

Isla

This name has Scottish origins and is a variant of Islay, an island off the west coast of Scotland. Isla ranks highly and is chosen by many parents.

Among famous personalities, Isla Fisher, an Australian actress, is a well-known bearer of this name.

Ivy

Ivy presents a charming and classic option if botanical names are appealing. Originating from the Old English word ifig, it refers to the climbing plant known for its green leaves and small yellow flowers.

Iris

Iris has multiple meanings and comes from the Ancient Greek word for “rainbow.” It was the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, as well as a beautiful flower and the colored part of the eye. This name brings a vivid, floral image.

Ivanna

Originating from Ukraine, Ivanna is the feminine version of Ivan, the Slavic equivalent of John, which means “God is gracious” in Hebrew.

This name carries a rich history and cultural variations, making it quite endearing.

Ivory

Ivory has historical ties to tusks of elephants but is more commonly associated today with the elegant cream-white color. This name works well as a gender-neutral choice and is known for its grace and elegance.

Irene

Irene originates from the Greek word Eirene, meaning “peace.” It was the name of the Greek goddess of peace and has been popular since ancient times.

Notably, it’s common among Eastern Christians and gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century.

Itzayana

This Latin American name is believed to either derive from the Mayan word itz, meaning “dew,” “nectar,” or “fluid,” or it could be an elaboration of the Basque name Itzal, meaning “shadow” or “protection.” Itzayana brings a touch of exotic flair.

Ila

Ila comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “speech” or “earth.” This name is both simple and beautiful, carrying a sense of calm and connection to nature.

Iliana

Iliana is a feminine name derived from Ilias, the Greek form of Elijah, which translates to “my God is Yahweh” in Hebrew.

Currently, it’s a popular name in Greece and Bulgaria and is gaining favor in the United States.

Unique Girl Names That Start With I

Idril

This name, rooted in literature, originates from the fictional language of Sindarin. Idril means “sparkle brilliance” and is a character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion.

Idonea

A unique name from medieval English with roots in Icelandic mythology. Idonea is thought to be an Anglicized version of the Norse name Iðunn, the goddess of spring. It may also derive from the Latin word idonea, meaning “suitable.”

Inmaculada

A Spanish name meaning “immaculate,” often given to the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Variations of this name include the Catalan Immaculada, the Italian Immacolata, and the Portuguese Imaculada.

Imelda

The Italian and Spanish form of the name Irmhild. In Old German, Irmhild means “whole,” “universal,” and “battle.”

India

Derived from the name of the country, India stems from the Sanskrit for “body of trembling water.”

One famous character with this name is India Wilkes from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind.

Iesha

A modern variant of the name Aisha, meaning “alive” in Arabic. This lovely name is unique and carries a lively connotation.

Ilaria

The Italian version of the name Hillary, derived from Hilarius, which means “cheerful” in Latin. This name is perfect for a giggly girl who brightens everyone’s mood.

Ishtar

An ancient name connected to the Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonians. Ishtar was the goddess of love, war, and fertility.

While the exact meaning is unknown, the name is rich in history and mythology.

Iphigenia

An Ancient Greek name made famous by Euripides’s plays Iphigenia in Aulis and Iphigenia in Taurus. The name comes from the Greek words iphios (strong) and genes (born).

Iracema

A beautiful indigenous American name meaning “honey lips” in the Tupi language. Interestingly, Iracema is also an anagram of America.

Beautiful I Girl Names

Ianthe

This lovely name belonged to an ocean nymph in Greek mythology and came from the Greek words for ion, meaning “violet,” and anthos, meaning “flower.”

It’s not just a name that sounds beautiful but also has a pretty meaning and mythological background.

Iara

Iara means “lady of the water” in Tupi. In Brazilian folklore, Iara was a beautiful river nymph who lured men into the water. It’s a charming name with a captivating story behind it.

Idalia

Idalia likely comes from Ancient Germanic words idal, meaning “work” or “labor.” Some believe it also has Greek origins, linked to Aphrodite’s city, Idalion, on Cyprus.

Either way, Idalia is a beautiful and unique name.

Imogen

Some say Shakespeare created the name Imogen for a princess in his play Cymbeline. The name might have originally been Innogen, derived from the Gaelic word inghean, meaning “maiden.”

Imogen remains popular, especially in Britain and Australia.

Ignacia

Ignacia is the feminine form of Ignatius, a name with Etruscan roots adopted by the Romans. Several saints have borne the name Ignatius, and Ignacia is a beautiful variation for a girl.

Igraine

This name is the Latinized form of Eigyr, a Welsh name with an unknown meaning. Igraine is a timeless name, known from Arthurian legend as the mother of King Arthur and Morgan le Fay. It’s a name steeped in myth and enduring beauty.

Isolde

Isolde is famous from the legend of Tristan and Isolde, a love story as iconic as Romeo and Juliet. The name is German, though it has Celtic roots, combining words for “ice,” “iron,” and “battle.”

Isolde, an Irish princess, fell in love with Tristan after drinking a love potion.

Ileana

Ileana is likely a Romanian variant of Elena, which comes from Helen.

In Romanian folk tales, Ileana was a princess kidnapped by monsters and rescued by a heroic knight. It’s a name with a rich and enchanting history.

Inanna

Inanna is an ancient name that most likely means “lady of the heavens” in Sumerian. She was also the Sumerian goddess of love, fertility, and war.

This name dates back to the dawn of civilization, making it unique and historically significant.

Indira

Indira means “beauty” in Sanskrit and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.

It gained fame from Indira Gandhi, India’s first female prime minister. It’s a beautiful and meaningful name with deep cultural roots.

Cool Girl Names That Start With I

Iolanthe

This name comes from Greek words meaning “violet flower.” It was made famous by the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera Iolanthe.

Iona

Named after a small island in Scotland where Saint Columba founded a monastery, Iona is unique and different, making it a modern cool name for girls.

Ida

Ida comes from the German word for “work” or “labor.” It came to England with the Normans and was revived in the nineteenth century by Alfred Tennyson’s poem The Princess, later a Gilbert and Sullivan play.

Isaura

Common in Portugal and Spain, Isaura means “from Isauria” in Latin, a region in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey.

Iset

Iset is a reconstructed form of the name of the Egyptian goddess Isis, offering a unique and cool alternative.

Isadora

This name means “gift of Isis” and is the feminine form of Isidoros. It became famous thanks to the dancer Isadora Duncan.

Iulia

Iulia is the Ancient Roman spelling of the name Julia, offering a distinctive twist on a classic name.

Ixchel

Ixchel, meaning “rainbow lady,” was the Mayan goddess of the earth, moon, and medicine, often depicted with a snake in her hair and crossbones on her skirt.

Izanami

In Japanese mythology, Izanami was a creator goddess. Her name means “female who invites,” making it a cool name for a girl.

Ilithyia

Ilithyia comes from the Greek word meaning “the readycomer.” She was the Greek goddess of childbirth and midwifery, and the name has a smooth, cool sound.

Ildikó

This Hungarian name is likely derived from Hilda and was borne by one of Attila the Hun’s wives, adding a historical cool factor.

International Girl Names That Start With the Letter I

Imma

This is a popular shortened version of Immacolata or Immaculada, commonly used in Italy and Catalunya.

Imriška

This Slovak name is the feminine form of Emmerich, with roots in German words meaning “home” and “ruler.”

Indrani

Belonging to the Hindu goddess of jealousy and beauty, this name means “queen of Indra” in Sanskrit.

Inés

The Spanish form of Agnes, derived from the Greek word for “chaste.” Different spellings like Ines are also popular in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Inga

A popular name in Scandinavia and the Baltics, this is the feminine version of Inge and refers to the Germanic god Ing, meaning “ancestor.”

Ingeborg

With connections to the god Ing, this Old Norse name combines Ing with the word bjorg, meaning “help,” “save,” or “rescue.”

Ingrid

Meaning “Ing is beautiful” in Old Norse, this name combines the god Ing with the word for “beautiful.”

The name became famous due to Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman.

Iolanda

The Latin word for “violet” is the origin of this name, used in Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Catalunya as a variant of Yolanda.

Ivona

A form of Yvonne, popular in Czechia, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. It stems from the Germanic word iv, meaning “yew.”

Iekika

A lovely Hawaiian name, Iekika is the Hawaiian form of Jessica.

Cute and Pretty Girl Names That Start With I

Izzy

This is a cute diminutive of names like Isabel, Isabella, or Isadora. It gives a playful twist to more traditional names.

Ibolya

A charming flower name from Hungary, Ibolya means “violet” and is perfect for a sweet little girl.

Inja

Inja is a short and cute Slovenian name, often used as a nickname for names ending with -ina. It’s lovely on its own.

Ieva

This name from the Baltic States is the Lithuanian and Latvian form of Eve. It also refers to a type of cherry tree, making it a sweet choice for a girl with cheeks like ripe cherries.

Ina

Popular across Central Europe and Scandinavia, Ina is a lovely diminutive. It stands well on its own and has been borne by notable figures like Ina Garten.

Ifeoma

Meaning “good thing” in Igbo, Ifeoma comes from West Africa. It carries a sweet meaning for a lovely name.

Ihab

Ihab is an Arabic name meaning “gift.” It’s a fitting choice for a baby girl who is a precious addition to the family.

Ihsan

This adorable name also carries the meaning “charity” in Arabic, adding a layer of kindness to its charm.

Ildi

A diminutive of the Hungarian name Ildikó, Ildi is cute and slightly quirky. While it originates from a word meaning “battle,” it suits a feisty little one.

Ili

Another sweet Hungarian diminutive, Ili is the short form of Ilona. It’s a brief and endearing name for a little girl.

Biblical Girl Names That Start With I

Iael

Iael is a name from the Greek Old Testament. It is the Greek form of the name Jael, which in Hebrew means “ibex” or “mountain goat.” In the Bible, Iael is the wife of Heber the Kenite.

Iahel

Iahel, like Iael, is a Latin variation of the name Jael from the Old Testament.

Iscah

Iscah is derived from the Hebrew name Yiskah, which means “to behold.” In the Old Testament, Iscah is mentioned as Abraham’s niece. This name is also the root of the name Jessica.

Ivah

Ivah is an Ancient Hebrew name mentioned in the Old Testament. In this context, Ivah is a district in Babylon, rather than a personal name.

Iezabel

Iezabel is the Greek form of the name Jezebel. Some translations suggest that it means “where is the prince?” In the Bible, Jezebel is known as the wife of Ahab, King of Israel.

Ioanna

Ioanna is a Greek form of the name Joanna. Joanna is the feminine form of John, which appears multiple times in the Bible, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle. The name means “God is gracious,” stemming from Hebrew.

Ioudith

Ioudith is the Greek form of Judith, which in Hebrew means “Jewish woman.” Judith is a notable figure in the Old Testament, famous for defeating the Assyrian commander Holofernes. She is also the main character in the apocryphal Book of Judith.

Iounia

Iounia is a Greek New Testament name. It is the Greek form of Junia, the feminine version of Junius. Iounia refers to an early Christian mentioned in the Bible, though it is debated whether this name belonged to a man or woman.

Izevel

Izevel is the Ancient Hebrew form of the name Jezebel.

Isebel

Isebel is the German version of the name Jezebel.