This page brings together 45 English names that start with the letter I, running alphabetically from “Ian” to “Isham.” You’ll find a mix of timeless classics, biblical choices, gentle nature names, and a few rare antique gems. People use these names for naming babies, choosing characters in stories, or simply exploring the meaning behind a favourite name.
English names are the personal first names commonly used across England and other English-speaking countries, shaped over centuries by biblical, Germanic, Celtic, and literary traditions. Many carry rich histories, and one, “Imogen,” is thought to have started as a printing error in a Shakespeare play.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.
Name: This shows you the exact spelling of each name, so you can compare similar versions and pick the one you like best.
Gender: This tells you whether a name is typically used for boys, girls, or both, helping you find the right fit quickly.
Origin: This points to the language or culture a name comes from, giving you a sense of its roots and background.
Meaning: This explains what each name actually stands for, so you can choose one whose message feels right to you.
Famous Namesakes: This lists well-known people who share the name, giving you real examples and a feel for its character.
Description: This offers a short, friendly note on each name’s history, popularity, and charm, helping you understand it more fully.
English names
| Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning | Famous Namesakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian | Male | Scottish | God is gracious | Ian McKellen, Ian Fleming |
| Ida | Female | Germanic/English | Industrious one | Ida B. Wells, Ida Lupino |
| Imogen | Female | English | Maiden, beloved | Imogen Heap, Imogen Poots |
| Ingrid | Female | English/Norse | Beautiful, fair | Ingrid Bergman |
| Ira | Male | English/Hebrew | Watchful | Ira Gershwin |
| Iris | Female | English/Greek | Rainbow | Iris Murdoch |
| Irene | Female | English/Greek | Peace | Irene Adler, Irene Dunne |
| Iris | Female | English | Rainbow flower | Iris DeMent |
| Isaac | Male | English/Hebrew | He will laugh | Isaac Newton, Isaac Asimov |
| Isabel | Female | English/Spanish | Pledged to God | Isabel Allende |
| Isabella | Female | English | Pledged to God | Isabella of France |
| Isabelle | Female | English/French | Pledged to God | Isabelle Huppert |
| Isla | Female | Scottish/English | Island | Isla Fisher |
| Isobel | Female | Scottish/English | Pledged to God | Isobel Campbell |
| Israel | Male | English/Hebrew | Wrestles with God | Israel Putnam |
| Ivan | Male | English/Slavic | God is gracious | Ivan Lendl |
| Ivor | Male | English/Welsh | Archer, bow warrior | Ivor Novello |
| Ivy | Female | English | Climbing plant | Ivy Compton-Burnett |
| Imelda | Female | English/Spanish | All-consuming battle | Imelda Staunton |
| India | Female | English | The country India | India Hicks |
| Indigo | Unisex | English | Deep blue dye | Indigo (various) |
| Iona | Female | Scottish/English | Island name | Iona (place) |
| Irvin | Male | English/Scottish | Green water | Irvin S. Cobb |
| Irving | Male | English/Scottish | Green river | Irving Berlin |
| Isadora | Female | English/Greek | Gift of Isis | Isadora Duncan |
| Isaiah | Male | English/Hebrew | God is salvation | Isaiah Thomas |
| Ismay | Female | English | Possibly “beautiful Isis” | Ismay (rare) |
| Isolde | Female | English/Celtic | Ice ruler, fair | Isolde (legend) |
| Ida | Female | English | Industrious | Ida Tarbell |
| Iggy | Male | English | Fiery (from Ignatius) | Iggy Pop |
| Idris | Male | English/Welsh | Ardent lord | Idris Elba |
| Ilene | Female | English | Light (variant of Eileen) | Ilene Graff |
| Imani | Unisex | English/Swahili | Faith | Imani (various) |
| Inez | Female | English/Spanish | Pure, holy | Inez Milholland |
| Ingram | Male | English | Raven of Angeln | Ingram (surname) |
| Irma | Female | English/Germanic | Whole, universal | Irma Thomas |
| Isla | Female | English | Island | Isla (modern) |
| Issac | Male | English | He will laugh | Issac (variant) |
| Ivah | Female | English | Variant of Iva | Ivah (rare) |
| Iver | Male | English/Norse | Bow army, archer | Iver (rare) |
| Ianthe | Female | English/Greek | Violet flower | Ianthe (literary) |
| Ima | Female | English | Image, likeness | Ima Hogg |
| Iola | Female | English | Dawn, violet | Iola (rare) |
| Irvine | Male | English/Scottish | Green water | Irvine Welsh |
| Isham | Male | English | From the iron one’s homestead | Isham (surname) |
Descriptions
Ian
A Scottish form of John, widely used across the English-speaking world. It carries the same meaning, “God is gracious,” and gained popularity in England through the 20th century.
Ida
An old name revived by the Victorians, often linked to a hill in Greek legend. It suggests hard work and energy and has a vintage, gentle charm.
Imogen
Believed to come from a misprint in Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” making it a uniquely literary English name. It is especially popular in Britain.
Ingrid
Of Norse roots but long used in English-speaking countries, this name honors a god of fertility. It feels elegant and classic.
Ira
A short, biblical name popular in 19th-century England and America. It belonged to one of King David’s officials and means watchful or alert.
Iris
Borrowed from the Greek goddess of the rainbow and the flower of the same name. It is a popular nature name in English-speaking countries.
Irene
Long established in English use, this name comes from the Greek word for peace. It enjoyed great popularity in the early 20th century.
Iris
A favourite English floral name evoking the colourful spring bloom and the messenger goddess. It pairs vintage charm with bright, cheerful imagery.
Isaac
A biblical patriarch’s name, long anglicised and beloved in England. Sir Isaac Newton made it a byword for genius.
Isabel
A medieval English variant of Elizabeth that became a name in its own right. It has stayed fashionable for centuries.
Isabella
An elaborate, royal form of Elizabeth borne by English queens. It returned to huge popularity in the 21st century.
Isabelle
A graceful spelling of Isabel widely used in English-speaking countries. It shares the meaning “pledged to God.”
Isla
Taken from the Scottish island of Islay, this name surged in popularity across Britain. Its soft sound and natural meaning make it a modern favourite.
Isobel
A distinctly Scottish spelling of Isabel, common throughout the British Isles. It carries the same devotional meaning.
Israel
A biblical name adopted by English Puritans, referring to the patriarch Jacob. It means one who struggles or perseveres with God.
Ivan
Though Slavic in root, Ivan has been comfortably used in English-speaking countries. It is a cousin of John and Ian.
Ivor
A name of Welsh and Norse heritage popular in Britain in the early 20th century. It evokes an archer or yew-bow warrior.
Ivy
A nature name from the evergreen climbing vine, symbolising faithfulness. It was fashionable in Victorian England and has returned strongly.
Imelda
Of Germanic and Italian roots but used in English-speaking countries, often via Catholic tradition. It suggests universal struggle or strength.
India
A place name adopted as a given name in England, evoking the exotic subcontinent. It rose with literary use in the 19th century.
Indigo
A modern English colour name from the rich blue-purple plant dye. It feels artistic, free-spirited, and contemporary.
Iona
Named for the small Scottish island famed for its abbey. It is a serene, spiritual nature name used across Britain.
Irvin
A surname-turned-first-name of Scottish origin used in English-speaking countries. It refers to fresh or green water.
Irving
A place and surname name adopted as a given name, popular in early America. It honours a green or fresh river.
Isadora
An ornate name meaning “gift of the goddess Isis,” used in English-speaking countries. The dancer Isadora Duncan gave it lasting glamour.
Isaiah
A major biblical prophet’s name embraced by English Puritans. It remains a strong, faith-rooted choice.
Ismay
A rare medieval English name of uncertain meaning, possibly linked to the goddess Isis. It has a delicate, antique feel.
Isolde
The tragic heroine of Arthurian and Celtic legend, used in English literary tradition. It evokes romance and medieval drama.
Ida
A gentle vintage name suggesting diligence and labour, popular in the 1800s. It has a soft, old-fashioned warmth.
Iggy
A punchy English nickname derived from Ignatius, meaning fiery. It feels energetic and rock-and-roll.
Idris
A Welsh name long used in Britain, linked to a legendary giant and a mountain. It conveys an ardent, eager leader.
Ilene
An American English spelling variant of Eileen, meaning light or bright. It had mid-20th-century popularity.
Imani
Adopted into English-speaking use, especially in Black American communities, meaning faith. It is associated with Kwanzaa.
Inez
An anglicised form of Inés (Agnes) used in English-speaking countries. It means pure and chaste.
Ingram
An old Germanic-English name and surname referring to a raven. It is rare and antique-sounding today.
Irma
A short, strong name of Germanic origin used widely in English-speaking countries. It peaked in popularity in the early 1900s.
Isla
A breezy, modern British favourite drawn from a Scottish river and island. Its gentle sound has made it a top choice.
Issac
A common alternate spelling of Isaac used in English-speaking countries. It shares the joyful biblical meaning.
Ivah
A rare vintage American English name, a variant of Iva or Ivy. It has a quaint, early-1900s flavour.
Iver
A variant of Ivor or Ivar used in English-speaking countries, evoking an archer. It has a crisp, Nordic-tinged sound.
Ianthe
A poetic English name from Greek myth meaning violet bloom. The poet Shelley used it, giving it literary romance.
Ima
A short, rare American English name famously borne by Texas philanthropist Ima Hogg. It has an unusual, antique charm.
Iola
A rare vintage American English name possibly linked to dawn or the violet flower. It has a soft, melodic quality.
Irvine
A Scottish place and surname name used as a given name in English-speaking countries. It refers to fresh, green water.
Isham
An English surname occasionally used as a first name, from a place name. It has a stately, old-world feel.