'I' Names are Interesting Iconic Innovative
- Ignace
Description:
Ignace is the French form of Ignatius, derived from the Latin name Ignatius, which may come from the Roman family name Egnatius of Etruscan origin. The name gained prominence through St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Ignace combines religious heritage with a sophisticated French flair. While never extremely common, it has maintained steady usage particularly in French-speaking regions and Catholic communities. The name carries connotations of intellectual depth, spiritual devotion, and cultural refinement. Its pronunciation (roughly ee-NYASS) adds a melodic quality that distinguishes it from the more formal Ignatius while retaining its historical significance.
- Ignacio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"fiery"Description:
Ignacio, like Horacio, makes its gray-bearded English equivalent name sound positively dashing. While the Ig- beginning summons up such associations as ignoble and ignorant, the era for Ignacio and Ignatius and Iggy may be nigh.
- Ignatius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"fiery"Description:
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 feel, Ignatius might just fit in with Blaze, Griffin, Ember, or Atticus.
- Ignazio
Origin:
Spanish and Italian form of Ignatius, LatinMeaning:
"fire"Description:
Ignazio is the Spanish and Italian form of Ignatius, a masculine name derived from the Latin 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This passionate name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Ignazio carries a rich cultural heritage, particularly in Italy and other Catholic regions where it has maintained steady popularity through generations.
- Igor
Origin:
Old Norse via RussianMeaning:
"warrior"Description:
Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
- Ike
Origin:
Diminutive of IsaacDescription:
Ike, once the quirky one-person nickname of President Dwight Eisenhower, has morphed into a cool kid nickname of the early 21st century.
- Ikia
Description:
Ikia is a modern feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from creative naming practices or as a variation of names like Kia or Ikea. It may also have roots in various cultures – potentially drawing from Japanese elements where 'iki' can relate to 'breath' or 'spirit,' or from African naming traditions. The name has a distinctive, contemporary sound with its flowing vowels and minimal consonants. Ikia remains quite rare in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a short, memorable name with a modern feel. Its brevity and melodic quality make it easy to pronounce across languages, while its uniqueness ensures it stands out.
- Ila
Origin:
Scottish, Hindi, Hungarian, FinnishMeaning:
"from the island; earth, sacred speech; shining light; joy"Description:
A simple name that's rising fast in the US, likely inspired by the popularity of Isla and Ayla. This streamlined form might appeal to those who like Ana, Ivy, and Ada, and it brings a multicultural element to the name.
- Ilan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"tree"Description:
Because of its meaning, a symbolic name given to boys born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, or Arbor Day.
- Ilana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"oak tree"Description:
Ilana is a name with seemingly endless variations, well used in Israel, sometimes chosen for little girls born on the holiday of TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
- Ilaria
Origin:
Italian variation of HilaryMeaning:
"cheerful, happy"Description:
Hilary may feel too connected to a single personality, but this version offers a fresh and interesting alternative.
- Ilario
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"cheerful, happy"Description:
Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
- Ilena
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilena-style variants have all been considered more stylish than Helen for many years.
- Ilene
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
- Iliana
Origin:
Greek, Spanish variation of HelenMeaning:
"from Ilium or Troy; shining light"Description:
Iliana is one of the vaguely but usually undefinably international names that have a wide range of spellings and pronunciations. Ilium was the poetic name of the city of Troy, and variations of this name — especially Ileana and Ileanna — have been widely used, projecting a rather bohemian image. The traditional Greek pronunciation would be ee-lee-AH-nah while in English speaking countries, it might be ill-ee-AH-nah.
- Ilina
Description:
Ilina is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Bulgaria, Russia, and other Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Slavic element 'il' meaning 'light' or 'bright,' suggesting qualities of illumination and radiance. In some traditions, it may be connected to the prophet Elijah (Ilya in Slavic languages). Ilina features a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and gentle cadence. While well-established in Eastern Europe, it remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, offering a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with international character. The name's association with light gives it positive connotations of brightness, clarity, and warmth.
- Ilisha
Origin:
Hebrew variation of Alisha, ElishaDescription:
The relationship to "ill" makes this and similar names less pleasing than the versions that start with A or E.
- Ilon
Description:
Ilon is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Estonian and Finnish contexts, it relates to the word for 'joy' or 'delight.' In Hebrew, it may derive from 'ilan' meaning 'tree' or 'oak tree,' symbolizing strength and durability. The name has gained some recognition through association with entrepreneur Elon Musk, as 'Ilon' represents a variation or international spelling of 'Elon.' This short, distinctive name possesses a modern, technological feel while maintaining cross-cultural appeal. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Ilon offers a sleek, contemporary option for parents seeking a brief yet meaningful name with international resonance.
- Ilona
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Helen, FinnishMeaning:
"shining torch; light; joy"Description:
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
- Iman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"faith"Description:
One of the most famous Arabic names, Iman is a gender-neutral choice fairly evenly balanced in the US given last year to 110 girls and 80 baby boys. Another spelling popular in some countries is Eman.