AHEAD: The ultimate list of I names for boys—plus their meanings and popularity.
If you’re looking for a cool boys’ name starting with the letter I, you’re in the right place!
Below, I’ve rounded up every single I name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
For each name, you’ll find its meaning and current popularity—which will hopefully help you narrow down your list of favorites.
I give you fair warning: there aren’t very many boy names that start with I!
There are only 14 “I” names ranking in the top 1000.
As you’ll see below, I’ve also included around a dozen additional I names that are more rare (without being too out there).
Feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to a specific style, or keep on scrolling and view all of these cool boys’ names starting with the letter I.
Related: Girl Names Starting with I
Table of Contents
Cool boy names that start with “I”
Kicking off our list of “I” names with some ideas that are both cool and unusual. They’re perfect if you want something a little edgy but not too far out there.
Idris
- Name meaning: Lord or studious.
- Popularity: #829
Indigo
- Name meaning: Blue or Indian dye.
- Popularity: This nonbinary name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Ingram
- Name meaning: Raven.
- Popularity: This German baby name isn’t ranking.
Ireland
- Name meaning: A country in Western Europe.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender. It last ranked for girls in 2015.
Irvin or Irving
- Name meaning: The River Irvine flows through Scotland.
- Popularity: Irvin last ranked in 2011 and Irving last ranked in 2005.
Ishmael
- Name meaning: God will hear.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Iverson
- Name meaning: Son of Iver. Yew tree. Warrior.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these cool boy names that start with I you’ll also like this list of edgy names.
Popular “I” names
These “I” boy names are popular in the United States right now. They’re all ranking in the top 1000.
Ibrahim
- Name meaning: Arabic version of Abraham, meaning father of many.
- Popularity: #437
Isaac or Issac
- Name meaning: Laughter. One who rejoices.
- Popularity: Isaac ranks #39 and Issac is #631.
Isaiah or Izaiah
- Name meaning: God is salvation.
- Popularity: Isaiah ranks #51 and Izaiah ranks #489.
Isaias
- Name meaning: Spanish version of Isaiah, meaning God is salvation.
- Popularity: #472
Ishaan
- Name meaning: The sun.
- Popularity: #841
Ismael
- Name meaning: Spanish version of Ishmael, meaning God will hear.
- Popularity: #349
Israel
- Name meaning: Fighter of God. A country regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
- Popularity: #237
If you like these popular boy names that start with I you’ll also like this list of 3-syllable names.
Short “I” names
These boys’ names are comprised of only 3 or 4 letters, and of course, they all start with the letter I!
Ian
- Name meaning: Scottish version of John, meaning graced by God.
- Popularity: #83
Igby
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Iggy
- Name meaning: Fiery.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Igor
- Name meaning: Warrior.
- Popularity: This royal boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Iker
- Name meaning: Visitation.
- Popularity: #380
Ira
- Name meaning: Watchful.
- Popularity: #805
Ivan
- Name meaning: Russian version of John, meaning graced by God.
- Popularity: #153
If you like these mini names that start with I check out this huge list of short names for boys.
Final thoughts on “I” boy names
Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.
Whether you prefer a name that’s cool, popular, or short, all of these boys’ names are fantastic choices.
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect name for your son!
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