360 Inspiring Boy Names That Start With I

A dazzling array of names to raise an exceptionally disciplined child.

Written by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd

Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc

Fact-checked by Shinta Liz Sunny, M.Tech

Last Updated on Jan 7, 2025

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Names starting with the letter I provide a wonderful mix of cultural depth, unique sounds, and deep meanings. I is the ninth letter of the alphabet and appears in many languages around the globe. Names that begin with the letter I have a rich history and come from diverse cultures. Classic options like Isaac, linked to Sir Isaac Newton, mean ‘he will laugh,’ while Isaiah means ‘Yahweh is salvation.’ Both names have strong biblical connections and represent qualities of strength and devotion, consistently appearing in the top 1,000 baby names in the US for decades (1).

Other names like Ian and Ivan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious,' have a timeless elegance. Ian Fleming, who created the James Bond series, made Ian famous. Ivan has a strong history, used by figures like Ivan the Terrible, Russia's first Tsar.

Modern parents often look for unique yet familiar names that reflect their individuality and the modern world they live in. The letter I offers choices like Icarus, from Greek mythology, known for adventure. Names like Idris, with Welsh and Arabic roots, show a mix of cultures valued in today's global world.

Explore the following names and find the one that feels right for your child and reflects the qualities you hope to see in him.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Isaiah-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-For-2025	Boy	Yahweh is salvation; God saves
Ian	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Israel	Boy	God contends
Ismael-Name-Meaning:-Complete-Guide-To-Origin-&-Popularity	Boy	God hears
Iker	Boy	Visitation; Visitor
Isaias	Boy	God saves; Yahweh is salvation
Izaiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Issac	Boy	He will laugh
Ishaan	Boy	Lord; Guardian of the north-east direction; Lord Shiva

Imran	Boy	Exalted nation
Ivaan	Boy	God is gracious; Ruler
Isai	Boy	Gift; God is salvation
Ismail	Unisex	God listens
Immanuel	Boy	God is with us
Isael	Boy	God strives; God's soldier; God contends
Ishmael	Boy	God will hear
Isiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Ilan	Unisex	Tree
Irving	Unisex	Green water

Izayah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Izael	Unisex	God prevails
Issa	Unisex	God is salvation; God saves
Ilyas	Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ivar	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Irvin-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Origin-and-History	Boy	Green water; Boar friend
Ishan	Boy	Master; Lord; Shiva
Isidro	Boy	Gift of Isis
Izan	Unisex	Strong; Enduring; Obedient
Ignatius	Unisex	Fire; Fiery

Ilana	Unisex	Tree
Iver	Boy	Bow warrior; Army; Yew tree
Isaak	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Idrees	Boy	Interpreter; Studious; Smart; Ardent lord
Izaak	Boy	To laugh; He will rejoice
Ike	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Izaac	Boy	To laugh; He will rejoice
Ilias	Unisex	My God is Yahweh
Iverson-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Complete-Guide-For-2025	Unisex	Son of Iver; Yew tree; Bow; Army; Warrior
Ilya	Unisex	My God is Yahweh; Great; Glorious

Izhaan	Boy	Master; Lord; Obedient
Izak	Unisex	Laughter; He will laugh
Ishaq	Boy	To laugh
Ioannis	Boy	God is gracious
Isac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Itzae	Unisex	Gift of God
Isidore	Boy	Gift of Isis
Ioane	Boy	Old Georgian form of John; Yahweh is gracious
Izaan	Boy	Acceptance; Obedience
Ismaeel	Boy	God has heard

Itzael	Boy	Gift of God
Iain	Boy	God is gracious
Isak	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Iam	Unisex	God is gracious
Ishir	Unisex	Fire; Refreshing; Powerful
Idan	Unisex	Era
Ilhan	Unisex	Subordinate Khan
Iven	Boy	Yew; Archer
Itai	Boy	With me; The Lord is with me; Do; Act; Perform
Ikenna	Boy	Power of the father

Igor	Boy	Warrior; Army of the Germanic god Yngvi
Ivo	Boy	Yew wood; Archer
Irwin	Boy	Boar friend
Izac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Irfan	Girl	Knowledge; Awareness; Learning
Indra	Unisex	God of thunder and rain; Possessing drops of rain
Izyan	Unisex	Wise
Ihan	Boy	God is gracious; Full moon
Imad	Boy	Pillar; Support; Mainstay
Issam	Boy	Security; Pledge

Imir	Boy	Lord; Prince; Commander-in-chief
Izen-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Pronunciation,-Trends-&-Variations	Unisex	Chaste
Ilian	Unisex	My God is Yahweh
Irtaza	Unisex	Favorite; Likable; Satisfied
Iyan	Unisex	God is gracious; Downy-bearded
Ishaaq	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Isam	Unisex	Security; Pledge
Isileli	Boy	Strength
Imon	Unisex	Faithful
Ivor	Boy	Bow of the warrior; Yew tree army

Indio	Unisex	Purplish-blue dye; From India; River
Inman	Unisex	Tended a lodge or an inn
Issachar	Unisex	Reward; Man of hire
Icarus	Boy	Follower; The one who reaches the sky
Itachi-Baby-Name:-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity-Guide	Boy	Weasel
Ithan	Boy	Solid; Enduring; Strong
Izhan	Boy	Precious; Obedient
Ilia	Boy	My God is Yahweh
Ilija	Boy	My God is Yahweh
Ion	Boy	Yahweh is gracious; Going

Iyaan	Boy	Downy-bearded
Iyad:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-History,-And-Variations	Boy	To support; To reinforce
Idrissa	Unisex	Ardent lord; Interpreter
Imre	Boy	King; Great; Brave; Home; Vigorous ruler
Ithiel-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide	Unisex	God is with me
Italo	Boy	Of Italy
Ido	Girl	To pass; To continue
Illias	Boy	My God is Yahweh
Itamar	Boy	Island of palms; Date palm island
Izik	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice

The letter I stands for inspiration, intelligence, and independence. Therefore, baby boy names that start with the letter I would be interesting choices for your little hero. Our above list contains all kinds of names, be it the short and cute Iah to Ibad ur Rehman as the vibrant and insightful option. You can find religious and cultural names in our list, so pick something that chimes with your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a difference between names starting with I for baby boys and baby girls?

No stringent rules or limitations exist on using names starting with 'I' for baby boys or girls. However, certain names beginning with 'I' might be more traditionally associated with one gender in some cultures. For instance, Ian, Isaiah, and Idris are some names commonly used for baby boys, whereas Isabelle, Iris, and Imogen are often chosen for baby girls.

2. What myths or legends are associated with baby boy names that start with I?

In Greek mythology, a smart builder named Daedalus had a son named Icarus. They wanted to escape from a place called Crete, so they made wings using feathers and wax. Another story is about a hero called Jason, also known as Iásōn. His name means 'healer.' Jason led a group of brave fighters called the Argonauts on a journey to find the Golden Fleece. Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is a biblical figure in Abrahamic traditions. His birth was considered a miracle as his parents were elderly. Thus, his name is associated with faith and divine blessings.

3. What are some common nicknames or alternative spellings for baby boy names beginning with I?

The Spanish and Galican name Ignacio, meaning 'fiery one,' has variations in several languages, such as Iñacio in Portuguese, Ignazio in Italian, and Ignatz in German. Some nicknames that bearers of this name may have are Iggy, Iggie, Nacho, and Nacio. The Hebrew name Isaac meaning 'laughter' or 'he will laugh,' is rendered as Isaak in German and Isack in the Netherlands. Popular nicknames for Isaac include Izzy, Ike, and Itzik.

Infographic: Inspiring Names With The Letter I For Your Little Prince

The letter I offers a wealth of options for unique and meaningful baby names. From classic to modern and traditional to casual, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just curious about the possibilities, our infographic has got you covered. Get ready to discover the perfect name, starting with I for your little boy.

impressive baby boy names with the letter i(infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Baby Names.
https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/index.html

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Kavita KankaniMBA, BEd

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

Read full bio of Kavita Kankani

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech

Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny