What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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159 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Isla	Girl	Island
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Isaiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation; God saves
Ian	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
Isabelle	Girl	My God is an oath; Devoted to God
Isabel	Girl	God is my oath
Israel	Boy	God contends
Izabella	Girl	My God is an oath

Izaiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Ivanna	Girl	God is gracious
Issac	Boy	He will laugh
Irene	Girl	Peace
Iyla	Girl	Moonlight; Terebinth tree; Earth; Speech; Island
India	Girl	Country originating in river Indus; Body of trembling water, river
Indie	Unisex	River; Land of the Indians
Ida	Girl	Hardworking; Industrious person; Battle
Ivaan	Boy	God is gracious; Ruler
Immanuel	Boy	God is with us

Imogen	Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
Isiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Ireland	Unisex	Land of the Irish; Abundant land
Irving	Unisex	Green water
Izayah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Ivey	Unisex	Ivy plant; Son of Ive; Person from Ivory
Isadora	Girl	Gift of Isis
Inez	Girl	Pure; Lamb
Inara	Unisex	Illumination; Ray of light; Heaven sent
Italy	Unisex	Of Italy; Calf

Izabelle	Girl	My God is an oath
Irelynn	Girl	Abundant land
Ignatius	Unisex	Fire; Fiery
Illiana	Girl	Yahweh is my God
Iyana	Girl	God is gracious; Downy-bearded
Ike	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Ivie	Unisex	Climbing evergreen plant
Izaac	Boy	To laugh; He will rejoice
Isley	Unisex	A hazel wood; Grove
Iverson	Unisex	Son of Iver; Yew tree; Bow; Army; Warrior

Irelyn	Girl	Abundant land; From Ireland; Peace
Irma	Girl	Universal; Whole; Great
Indy	Unisex	River; Land of the Indians
Izzabella	Girl	God is my oath
Ikaika	Unisex	Strong
Ilah	Unisex	Deity; God; Island
Ivee	Unisex	Small, yellow flowers; Ivy plant
Isidore	Boy	Gift of Isis
Ily	Unisex	Loving; Affectionate
Ianna	Unisex	God is gracious

Indi	Unisex	River; Land of the Indians
Indiana	Unisex	Land of the Indians
Iain	Boy	God is gracious
Indya	Unisex	River; Body of trembling water
Island	Unisex	A piece of land surrounded by water
Idan	Unisex	Era
Infinity	Unisex	Endlessness
Ilene	Unisex	Torch; Moon
Isidora	Girl	Gift of Isis
Izen	Unisex	Chaste

Israella	Unisex	God contends
Idaly	Unisex	Prosperous
Isolde	Girl	Ice; Battle; She who is looked upon
Inarah	Girl	Ray of light; Heaven sent
Illianna	Girl	Light; Torch; My God is Yahweh
Iyra	Girl	Watchful; Kindling
Izzie	Unisex	My God is an oath; Emerald
Iridessa	Girl	Resembling a rainbow
Ivor	Boy	Bow of the warrior; Yew tree army
Indio	Unisex	Purplish-blue dye; From India; River

Inman	Unisex	Tended a lodge or an inn
Ithan	Boy	Solid; Enduring; Strong
Irelia	Girl	My God is an oath
Izadora	Girl	Gift of Isis; Throne
Izara	Girl	Star; Fire; Roar
Ido	Girl	To pass; To continue
Icelynn	Unisex	Ice; Dream; Vision; Iron
Izora	Girl	From Isauria; Gift of Isis; Dawn
Ilithyia	Girl	The readycomer
Iliyah	Unisex	My God is Yahweh

Ivery	Unisex	White as elephant tusks; Pale white; Elf ruler; Elf counsel
Izik	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Imanol	Unisex	God is with us
Ivah	Unisex	Overthrow
Iley	Unisex	Blacksmith
Isaly	Unisex	Israel
Irvine	Unisex	Green water; Name of a town and river
Icelyn	Unisex	Ice; Dream; Vision
Ianto	Unisex	God is gracious
Inigo	Boy	My little; Fire

Isom	Boy	Settlement on the river Ise; Security; Pledge
Ifeanyi	Unisex	Nothing is impossible with God
Iggy	Unisex	Fire; Fiery
Innocent	Unisex	Pure; Free from guilt; Naive
Isen	Unisex	Iron; Steel: Ice
Isaaq	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice
Ien	Unisex	Short form of Leonard
Idella	Girl	Industrious; Work; Labor
Izma	Unisex	Muscle; Brawn; Muscularity
Inika	Girl	Army; Splendor; Favor; Grace

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Infographic: Popular English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I are a beautiful blend of cultural values and traditions. In addition to being deeply meaningful, they carry stories of heritage and hopes for the future. Our infographic below shares some charming choices that are distinct, elegant, and timeless. Explore the list to find a name that would be an added gem to your child's shining personality. Share this infographic with other expecting parents and help them find a rare jewel for their children.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With I(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.