Cool Baby Names That Start With I

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 Ingo Rademacher--the father of sons named Peanut and Pohaku Zen.

Frequently cited as an example of cruel baby naming, à la Ima Hogg.

To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.

A noble surname from northern England that has occasionally been used as a first name.

Why has it taken so long for us to discover Italy? The name, that is.

The Arabic name Idrissa is related to the more common form Idris, which is the name of a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch). Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa. Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the UK, is probably the most famous person with this name.

Ib, though it sounds insubstantial here, is actually a pretty common name in Denmark.

A more distinctive alternative to Alejandro.

The modern Hebrew variation of Ithai, a name from the Old Testament.

Ingmar is known here almost solely through Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Ing was the powerful Norse god of fertility and peace, who lent his name to several mortal variations, more notably to English-speakers the female Ingrid.

Ifor seems to make more sense in its Anglicized version, Ivor.

An English diminutive of Isabel or Elizabeth that works best with a longer form on the birth certificate.

Fashionable choice in modern Israel, also a place-name there, not likely to succeed here.

This Spanish form of the yet-to-be-revived Ignatius was borne by an early and influential Philipina nun known as Mother Ignacia.

Iolani feels quintessentially Hawaiian, a stylish origin for baby names these days thanks to Malia, the Hawaiian name of the Obamas' older daughter. The initial I is pronounced with a long e sound, as in Waikiki, and the name Iolani has four syllables.

Predominantly used in Romania, Ioana can also be used as an alternative to the Bulgarian Yoana. Fashion designer Ioana Ciolacu, actress Ioana Flora, and gymnast Ioana Stanciulescu are just a few notable bearers.

Indu is truly unusual, but shares sounds with more popular choices like Indie and Indigo. Other moon names to consider: Luna, Serena, Io.

Ibsen is a literary hero name possibility, after the great Norwegian dramatist, Henrik I. The name Ib is a short form of Jacob, so you might consider Ibsen as an honorific for or a twin of a Jacob.