Baby Names

Baby Boy Names That Start With I

There are so many things that make becoming a new mom exciting. Baby showers, gender reveals, the list goes on. But what can be more exciting than choosing your baby’s name!?

While it’s exciting, choosing the perfect name for your baby can also be difficult. We’ve put together a list of popular choices for baby names that start with I for boys and their meanings to help.

baby boy names that begin with i

What are some popular boy names that start with I?

These are I names that are popular and commonly found in places like the United States, according to the Social Security Administration. There are also many popular names in the biblically inspired section below.

  • Irving – Scottish, meaning “green water” or “fresh stream.” Possesses a strong connection to nature and water.
  • Irwin – English, meaning “boar friend” or “sea lover.” Signifies friendship and love for the sea.
  • Isaac – Hebrew, meaning “he will laugh.” Denotes feelings of joy and laughter.
  • Isaak – Russian, meaning “he will laugh.” A variant of Isaac, signifies joy and laughter.
  • Iverson – English, meaning “son of Ivar.” One who has the qualities of a warrior. Made popular by basketball player Allen Iverson
  • Izzy – Hebrew, meaning “he will laugh.” Short for Isaac, symbolizing joy and laughter.

What are some biblical names that start with I for boys?

Many names in western culture are based on religion, so there are many popular I names on this list.

  • Ian – Scottish, meaning “God is gracious.” Signifies divine grace.
  • Ilias – Greek, meaning “Jehovah is God.” Possessing the ability to work miracles in one’s life.
  • Ilya – Russian, meaning “Yahweh is God.” Someone who emphasises God and faith in everything they do.
  • Ilyas – Arabic, meaning “Yahweh is God.” Similar to Ilya, someone who always emphasises their faith.
  • Isador – Greek, meaning “gift of Isis.” Signifies a divine gift or blessing.
  • Isaiah – Hebrew, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.” Signifies divine deliverance and salvation.
  • Isaias – Spanish, meaning “God is salvation.” Spanish version of Isaiah, also meaning divine deliverance of salvation.
  • Ishmael – Hebrew, meaning “God hears.” Conveys the idea of divine listening and attention.
  • Ishmaiah – Hebrew, meaning “God hears.” Conveys divine attentiveness and response; having the ear of God.
  • Ishmerai – Hebrew, meaning “God keeps” or “God preserves.” Conveys protection from God.
  • Ishwar – Sanskrit, meaning “lord” or “god.” Reflects divinity and spiritual leadership.
  • Isidor – Greek, meaning “gift of Isis.” Signifies a divine gift and blessing.
  • Isidore – Greek, meaning “gift of Isis.” Similar to Isidor, also signifies a divine gift and blessing.
  • Ismail – Arabic, meaning “heard by God.” Refers to divine attention and acknowledgment.
  • Ivan – Slavic, meaning “God is gracious.” Thought to be derived from the name John.

What are some unique boy names that start with I?

Looking for a unique or exotic names that start with I for boys? Here are some options that start with I:

  • Ibrahim – Arabic, meaning “father of many” or “father of nations.” Associated with fatherly leadership.
  • Ibsen – Danish, meaning “son of Ib” or “son of Jacob.” Made famous by playwright Henrik Ibsen.
  • Icarus – Greek, meaning “the one who reaches the sky” or “follower.” Popularized by Greek mythology.
  • Ichiro – Japanese, meaning “first son.” Reflects the honor of the firstborn.
  • Ido – Hebrew, meaning “timely” or “seasonal.” Conveys a sense of patience and seasonality.
  • Idris – Arabic, meaning “interpreter” or “studious.” Signifies an affinity for learning. Made famous by actor Idris Elba.
  • Iggy – English, meaning “fiery” or “ardent.” Short for Ignatius, symbolizing passion.
  • Ignatius – Latin, meaning “fiery” or “ardent.” Long for Iggy with the same meaning.
  • Igor – Russian, meaning “warrior of peace” or “peaceful warrior.” Signifies a strong but peaceful nature.
  • Iker – Basque, meaning “visitation.” Reflects the idea of a divine visit or blessing.
  • Ilai – Hebrew, meaning “ascent” or “going up.” Conveys upward progress and a high level of achievement.
  • Ilario – Italian, meaning “cheerful” or “joyful.” Shares a root with the word “hilarious”.
  • Imani – Swahili, meaning “faith.” Conveys a strong sense of faith; a trustworthy person.
  • Imran – Arabic, meaning “prosperity” or “long-lived.” Symbolizes success and longevity.
  • Indra – Sanskrit, meaning “possessing drops of rain.” Associated with rain and abundance.
  • Ingram – German, meaning “raven of peace.” Symbolizes peace as well as wisdom.
  • Inigo – Spanish, meaning “my little one.” Reflects endearment and affection.
  • Iolo – Welsh, meaning “lord” or “ruler.” Signifies strong leadership and an authoritative presence.
  • Ira – Hebrew, meaning “watchful” or “vigilant.” Highly attentive with a sense of urgency and vigilance.
  • Isamu – Japanese, meaning “courage” or “bravery.” One who is bold and fearless.
  • Isauro – Spanish, meaning “golden.” Symbolic of gold and how precious it is.
  • Isen – Norse, meaning “iron.” Reflects the qualities of iron, including strength and durability.
  • Israfil – Arabic, meaning “angel who blows the trumpet.” Associated with celestial music.
  • Iver – Scandinavian, meaning “archer” or “bow warrior.” Reflects strength and leadership in battle.
  • Ivor – Scandinavian, meaning “archer” or “bow warrior.” Similar to Ivor, reflects strength and leadership, as well as a steady hand.
  • Izadore – Greek, meaning “gift of Isis.” Signifies a divine gift and blessing.
  • Izak – Hebrew, meaning “he will laugh.” A variant of Isaac, reflects joy and laughter.
  • Izet – Turkish, meaning “intelligence” or “wisdom.” Reflects intellectual acumen and sagacity.

While this obviously isn’t a complete list, these are some of the top male I names, so hopefully this gave you some baby name inspiration. If you are having a baby girl, check out our list of top girl names that start with I.

Read Next: Gender Neutral Names That Start With I

These names start with I, but we have more! We’ve put together some of the top baby names that start with every level of the alphabet. Check it out below!

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