AHEAD: The ultimate list of “I” names for girls… and which could go viral this year.
If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with I, you’re in the right place!
I’ve rounded up every “I” name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
Below you’ll find over 55 names, their meanings, and current popularities.
You’ll also find a shortlist of I names poised to go viral in 2025.
Related: Boy Names that Start with I
“I” names trending in 2025
These girls’ names starting with I are climbing the charts right now, each making significant gains since last year.
Inaya
- Name meaning: Care, concern.
- Popularity: #737 (↑235)
Indy 🔥
- Name meaning: Independent.
- Popularity: #918 (↑118)
Iris
- Name meaning: Rainbow in Greek. Also a flower.
- Popularity: #78 (↑6)
Itzel
- Name meaning: Rainbow lady.
- Popularity: #364 (↑134)
Ivey
- Name meaning: An evergreen climbing plant.
- Popularity: #851 (↑437)
Ila or Iyla 🔥
- Name meaning: Island.
- Popularity: Ila ranks #620 (↑62) and Iyla ranks #601 (↑82)
More on 2025 viral predictions in just a bit.
Popular girl names starting with I
The primary spellings of these girl names that start with I are ranked in the top 1000.
Iliana or Ileana
- Name meaning: From the ancient city of Illium, better known as Troy.
- Popularity: Iliana ranks #827 and Ileana isn’t ranking.
Imani
- Name meaning: Faith or belief.
- Popularity: #476
Indie
- Name meaning: Short for India (country) or Indigo (dye).
- Popularity: #579
Isabella or Izabella or Isabela
- Name meaning: Promise.
- Popularity: Isabella ranks #7, Izabella ranks #483, and Isabela ranks #655.
Isabelle or Isabel
- Name meaning: Promise.
- Popularity: Isabelle ranks #159 and Isabel ranks #164.
Isla
- Name meaning: Island.
- Popularity: #33
Ivory
- Name meaning: White color. Substance composing the tusks of elephants, walruses, and narwhals.
- Popularity: #520
Ivanna
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: #589
Ivy
- Name meaning: An evergreen climbing plant.
- Popularity: #38
Vintage girl names that start with I
These girl names starting with I are classics.
Ida
- Name meaning: Industrious one.
- Popularity: This Victorian name isn’t ranking.
Idella
- Name meaning: Industrious one.
- Popularity: This vintage name isn’t ranking.
Ilsa
- Name meaning: Pledged to God.
- Popularity: This two-syllable name isn’t ranking.
Imogen or Imogene
- Name meaning: Maiden.
- Popularity: Popular in medieval times and the early 1900s, neither spelling of this German name is ranking.
Inez
- Name meaning: The Portuguese and Spanish form of Agnes, meaning pure or holy.
- Popularity: Popular around 1900, this name isn’t currently ranking.
Ingrid
- Name meaning: Loved or beautiful.
- Popularity: This name meaning love isn’t ranking.
Iona
- Name meaning: Scottish island.
- Popularity: Popular among Scottish immigrants during the Victorian era, this name isn’t ranking.
Irene or Irena
- Name meaning: Peace.
- Popularity: Irene ranks #624 and Irena isn’t ranking.
Isadora
- Name meaning: Gift of the goddess Isis.
- Popularity: This pretty I name isn’t ranking.
Iva
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: This 3-letter I name isn’t ranking.
Ivette
- Name meaning: Yew, which is a long-lived evergreen tree with red arils (fleshy berries).
- Popularity: This tree name for girls isn’t ranking.
Ivonne
- Name meaning: Yew, which is a long-lived evergreen tree with red arils (fleshy berries).
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Unique girl names that start with I
These I names for girls are a little different!
Idara
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Idina
- Name meaning: Wealthy.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Idra
- Name meaning: Fig tree.
- Popularity: This short girls’ name isn’t ranking.
Idris
- Name meaning: Lord or studious. Name of a prophet.
- Popularity: This name ranks #788 for boys but isn’t ranking for girls.
Iladora
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Ilana
- Name meaning: Tree.
- Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking.
Ilaya
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: This 5-letter name isn’t ranking.
Ilina
- Name meaning: Shining light.
- Popularity: This sun-inspired name isn’t ranking.
Illyria
- Name meaning: Mythological name.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Imania
- Name meaning: Faith or belief.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Imaria
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
India
- Name meaning: The second most populous country.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Indiana
- Name meaning: Land of the Indians. A midwestern state.
- Popularity: This gender-neutral name isn’t ranking.
Indigo
- Name meaning: Blue or Indian dye.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Indira
- Name meaning: Beauty.
- Popularity: This name meaning beautiful isn’t ranking.
Indra
- Name meaning: Possessing drops of rain.
- Popularity: This boho baby name isn’t ranking.
Ireland
- Name meaning: A country in Western Europe.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Related: 120 Scottish and Irish Girl Names for Modern American Babies
Isa
- Name meaning: God is abundance. Muslim name for Jesus.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Isha
- Name meaning: Protector.
- Popularity: This 4-letter name isn’t ranking.
Itzayana
- Name meaning: Rainbow lady.
- Popularity: This 4-syllable name isn’t ranking.
Ivadora
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This 3-syllable name isn’t ranking.
Ivella
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Izaria
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Will any girl names that with I go viral in 2025?
Yes, I believe so!
There are two stand-out names poised for dramatic growth — and two additional names worth watching.
Indy
Indy is showing all the signs of becoming 2025’s breakout hit among girl names that start with I.
After first appearing on the Social Security Administration’s top 1000 list, the name has demonstrated explosive growth, jumping 118 spots from #1036 in 2022 to #918 in 2023 – an 11.4% improvement in just one year.
The name got a fresh boost when Big Brother star Christie Murphy chose it for one of her twins in January 2024, signaling its transition from adventurous nickname to standalone given name.
While some might associate it with Indiana Jones, Indy has developed its own feminine identity, following the pattern of boyish nicknames becoming girl names – similar to how Charlie (#125) and Stevie (#244) have found success with baby girls.
The June 2025 release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle video game will likely boost the name’s visibility without limiting its feminine appeal.
With its spunky sound, unisex flexibility, and that trending ‘Y’ ending seen in popular names like Ivory (#520) and Indy’s cousin name Indie (#579), all signs point to this name making major moves in 2025.
Iyla
Among girl names that start with I, Iyla is one of the most recent breakout stars.
This fresh twist on mega-popular Isla (#33) has seen a meteoric rise, jumping 309 spots in just three years – from #910 in 2020 to #601 in 2023.
What makes Iyla special is how it combines familiar elements in a fresh way. It has the coveted ‘y’ that parents love (think Layla, #30), while still feeling connected to established favorites like Isla and Ayla (#104).
The numbers tell an exciting story: 495 baby girls received this name in 2023, up significantly from previous years. Its current rank at #601 puts it in the perfect position for explosive growth – not too common, not too rare.
While sister names Isla and Ila (#620) have their own appeal, Iyla hits a sweet spot. It’s more distinctive than ultra-popular Isla (5,357 babies in 2023) but more contemporary than vintage Ila, which peaked back in the 1940s.
I names to watch:
Inaya
Inaya exploded onto the U.S. naming scene in a dramatic fashion. After making its first-ever appearance in the U.S. top 1000 in 2022 at #971, the I name catapulted 235 spots to #736 in 2023 – a remarkable 24.2% increase in just one year.
With 381 babies receiving the name in 2023, Inaya has already established itself as more than just a passing trend.
Its cross-cultural success is particularly noteworthy, ranking #177 in Canada, #164 in England, and an impressive #73 in the Netherlands.
The name follows the wildly successful pattern of names ending in “-aya” (like Amaya and Alaya) while offering a fresh, distinctive beginning that sets it apart.
Notable namesakes include American singer Inaya Day and British journalist Inaya Folarin Iman, though the name’s dramatic rise appears to be driven by organic popularity rather than celebrity influence.
Given its perfect storm of characteristics – exotic yet accessible sound, cross-cultural appeal, and explosive first-year performance – Inaya shows strong potential for continued dramatic growth through 2025.
Itzel
Itzel just made its most dramatic move ever, jumping 134 spots to reach #364 in 2023. This follows a pattern of accelerating gains: from #612 in 2020 to #533 in 2021 to #498 in 2022.
The name carries profound cultural significance as a Mayan name meaning “rainbow goddess” or “star goddess.” This connection to ancient mythology and celestial meanings aligns perfectly with current naming trends.
The timing couldn’t be better for Itzel’s rise. Hispanic names are seeing unprecedented popularity in the US, with names like Luna (#10) and Nova (#35) leading the way.
Nicknames that start with I
These are great if you love long names but want a shorter I-initial nickname.
Ida
Short for: Idalia, Idabelle, Idabella, Idella
Indie or Indy
Short for: Indiana, Indira, Indigo, India, Indra
Izzy
Short for: Isabella, Isolde, Isadora, Isobel, Isabelle
Isa
Short for: Isabella, Isadora, Isabelle, Isabel
Ima
Short for: Imani, Imania, Imaria
Nicknames NOT starting with I but short for I-names:
Bella
Short for: Isabella, Isabelle
Dora
Short for: Isadora, Iladora, Ivadora
Lana
Short for: Ilana, Ileana, Iliana
Naya
Short for: Inaya, Itzayana
Zara
Short for: Izaria, Isadora
Middle name ideas for first names that start with I
Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name with “I” as the first letter.
- Idara Lily
- Idella Hazel
- Idina Marie
- Idra Lennox
- Idris Abigail
- Ila Magnolia
- Ilana Blake
- Ilaya Hadley
- Ilene Hazel
- Ilianna Hart
- Ilina Blakely
- Illyria Jade
- Ilona Rose
- Ilsa Penelope
- Ilyssa Avery
- Imani Mackenzie
- Imania Sophie
- Imaria Harlow
- Imogen Piper
- India Everly
- Indiana Aubrey
- Indie Sage
- Indigo Hailey
- Indira Scarlett
- Indra Faye
- Ingrid Olivia
- Ireland Eve
- Irene Rylan
- Irina Juliette
- Iris Blakely
- Irma Madison
- Isa Alexandra
- Isabella Violet
- Isabelle Brooke
- Isadora Mia
- Isha Addilyn
- Isla Madelyn
- Itzayana Faye
- Itzel Phoenix
- Ivanka Sophia
- Ivanna Blaire
- Ivella Rylan
- Ivette Kaitlyn
- Ivonne Victoria
- Ivory Reese
- Ivy Paige
- Izaria Grace
Girl Names that Start with I: Trend Analysis
Only 21 names beginning with ‘I’ rank in the top 1000, making them relatively rare compared to other letters.
Isabella remains the powerhouse of I-names, ranking #7, though it’s gradually declining from its peak at #1 (2009-2012).
What’s fascinating is the surge of shorter I-names. Isla (#33) and Ivy (#38) have both seen meteoric rises, with Isla jumping from #667 in 2008 to #33 in 2023 – a remarkable 634-spot climb.
Nature-inspired Iris (#78) continues its steady ascent, appealing to parents seeking vintage botanical names. Its rise has been particularly notable since 2012, when it ranked #281.
We’re seeing significant momentum in names with spiritual or meaningful connotations. Inaya (meaning “care” or “concern” in Arabic) jumped 235 spots in 2023 alone, signaling strong viral potential.
Itzel, with Mayan origins meaning “rainbow goddess,” made an impressive 134-spot leap to #364 in 2023, demonstrating growing appreciation for indigenous names.
The ‘eye’ sound is emerging as a powerful trend. Ivory (#520) and Ivey (#851) both showed strong gains, with Ivey making one of the biggest jumps of 2023, climbing 437 spots.
Independent-spirited names are gaining traction. Indie (#579) and Indy (#918) both reflect this trend, with Indy showing particular promise after appearing in several celebrity baby name shortlists.
The most dramatic riser among I-names is Iyla (#601), which combines the popularity of the ‘eye’ sound with the trending ‘-la’ ending seen in names like Isla and Layla.
Unique choices like Indigo (#964) are also gaining ground, reflecting parents’ growing interest in color names and nature-inspired choices.
Most notably, we’re seeing a shift away from traditional I-names like Isabella and Isabel toward shorter, more distinctive choices that still carry significant meaning.
This pattern suggests we’re entering a new era for I-names, where uniqueness and significance are prized over traditional popularity.
Final thoughts on girl names starting with I
Before you make your daughter’s name official, here are a few questions worth asking yourself:
-
- Does the name have an undesirable meaning? I saw the name Indica on a baby name list… which is a type of marijuana. I also saw the name Isis, which used to evoke the goddess of healing, but currently makes everyone think of the terrorist organization.
- Does the name remind you (or others) of anyone infamous? I’d personally avoid the name Ivanka, which is of course the name of Donald Trump’s daughter. (Consider skipping Ivanna as well, who is his ex-wife).
- Does the name have a negative association? It’s going to be a while until people stop associating the name Ida with the second-most damaging hurricane in Louisiana (after Katrina).
- How often will others assume the wrong spelling of the name? Some of the names on this list of I names for girls are typically spelled with different first letters. For example, Ilyssa is typically spelled Alyssa and Ivette is typically spelled Yvette. Think about whether this will bother you (and whether you think it may bother your daughter).
- Will young kids be able to pronounce the name? It’s really common for little ones to have trouble pronouncing letters and sounds such as “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. So, for a period of time, names like Iris and Ilsa might be virtually impossible for your daughter and her friends to say. Again, think about whether this matters to you—it may not.
Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever “I” girl name makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect girls’ name starting with the letter “I”.
The source for popularity data is SSN.
This article was originally published on Dec 13, 2021 and was updated on Jan 12, 2025.
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