We have lists of Irish names for all people and purposes. Have a browse and find a new favourite! We also have a list of Irish last names that start with E that you might be interested in.

Explore Irish First Names A-Z

---

Irish Girls First Names that Start with I

When it comes to Irish names for girls, you could opt for Íomhagán which is the original Irish form for a famous Shakespearean name, or a name that rolls off the tongue like Ísadora.

⭐ Our Favourite: Inis

Pronunciation: IN-ish
First Used: Found in early Irish place names, dating back centuries.
Meaning: Inis directly translates to “island” in Irish. It appears in many geographical names, such as Inis Mór (one of the Aran Islands), symbolizing Ireland’s deep connection to the sea and nature.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Inis is simple yet evocative, instantly bringing to mind Ireland’s rugged landscapes and coastal beauty. It’s a rare but effortlessly poetic name, perfect for those who love nature-inspired Irish names with deep cultural roots.

🍀 Ida (Íde)

Pronunciation: EE-da
Meaning: Derived from the Old Irish Íte, meaning “thirst” or “craving,” often interpreted as “thirst for holiness.” Saint Íde of Killeedy, a 6th-century abbess, is the most famous bearer. The name has medieval roots and remains a traditional but rare choice in Ireland.

🏝️ Iona (Íóna)

Pronunciation: EYE-oh-na
Meaning: Though more commonly associated with the Scottish island, Íóna has Irish origins too. It derives from the word Í, meaning “blessed” or “sacred.” Used since early Christian times, it evokes spiritual and monastic connections.

🌊 Isla (Aisla)

Pronunciation: EYE-la
Meaning: Aisla is a rare Irish variant of Isla, linked to the word aisling, meaning “dream” or “vision.” It shares its sound with the Scottish river and island but carries a distinct poetic resonance in Irish culture.

🌿 Íde

Pronunciation: EE-da
Meaning: A revered name in Irish tradition, Saint Íde was known as the “Brigid of Munster.” It symbolizes purity and devotion. Used since medieval times, it remains a strong yet gentle name, perfect for those who appreciate historical depth.

🎭 Imogen (Íomhagán)

Pronunciation: IM-oh-jen
Meaning: While famous from Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, Íomhagán is the original Irish form, derived from íomha (image) with a diminutive ending, meaning “little image” or “beloved daughter.” Rarely used today, it has literary charm.

⚔️ Iseult (Iseult)

Pronunciation: EE-sult
Meaning: Best known from the tragic legend of Tristan and Iseult, this name is steeped in medieval romance. It likely comes from Old Irish Eselt, meaning “fair lady.” A symbol of passion and destiny, it has remained a name of poetic beauty.

🌿 Isleen (Íslín)

Pronunciation: ISS-leen
Meaning: A diminutive of Ísle meaning “little noble one,” Íslín is a rare Irish name with poetic charm. It evokes images of grace and quiet strength, often associated with old Gaelic literature. Though uncommon today, it has a timeless and lyrical quality.

🌹 Ivetta (Ívetta)

Pronunciation: ee-VET-ah
Meaning: A rare Irish reworking of Íobhann, which relates to Siobhán (Joan). Ívetta has a noble yet delicate air, often linked to historical figures and saints. It has a melodic, almost medieval feel.

🌊 Iria (Íria)

Pronunciation: EER-ee-ah
Meaning: Thought to derive from Inis (island), Íria is a name that evokes the sea and Irish coastal beauty. It has echoes of the Spanish Iria, but in Ireland, it symbolizes connection to nature and water.

🏛️ Isadora (Ísadora)

Pronunciation: iss-ah-DOOR-ah
Meaning: A rare Irish variation of Íosa (a form of Jesus) and adoration, meaning “gifted in devotion.” Though known from Greek origins, Ísadora has a strong presence in poetic and spiritual Irish naming traditions.

🏰 Iseabail

Pronunciation: ISH-uh-bell
Meaning: The Irish-Scottish form of Isabella, Iseabail was popular among Gaelic nobility. It means “pledged to God” and was borne by several medieval princesses and noblewomen.

🌙 Ilyssa (Ílissa)

Pronunciation: ill-ISS-ah
Meaning: A modernized Irish variant, possibly related to Eilís (Elizabeth). Ílissa carries a mystical feel, often linked to old stories of Irish seers and wise women.

🎀 Izette (Ízette)

Pronunciation: ih-ZET
Meaning: A rare adaptation, Ízette may derive from Íosóg (a small gift or token). It has a whimsical, charming feel, making it a lovely choice for a name with quiet elegance.

Irish Boys First Names that Start with I

We also found a good batch of names for boys as well. There are some great options to choose from, such as Ivor and Íomhar which are of Norse-Irish origin.

⭐ Our Favourite: Irial

Pronunciation: EAR-ee-al
First Used: Ancient Ireland, associated with early High Kings.
Meaning: Derived from Old Irish, meaning “noble” or “golden.” It was borne by Irial Fáid, a legendary High King of Ireland known for wisdom and foresight.
Why It’s Our Favourite: This name carries an air of ancient Irish royalty, mythology, and mysticism. It’s rare yet undeniably Irish, with a rich history that ties it to the very foundations of early Irish leadership and legend.

🔥 Iain

Pronunciation: EE-an
Meaning: A Scottish Gaelic form of John, meaning “God is gracious.” Popular in both Ireland and Scotland, it dates back to medieval times. Famous bearers include Iain Glen, the Scottish actor known for Game of Thrones.

👑 Iarfhlaith

Pronunciation: EAR-lah
Meaning: An ancient Irish name meaning “lord” or “sovereign.” It was borne by medieval kings and nobles, reinforcing its noble heritage. The name is rare today but remains a powerful link to Ireland’s aristocratic past.

🏰 Iarla

Pronunciation: YAR-la
Meaning: Derived from the Irish word for “earl” or “nobleman,” this name signifies status and leadership. Though historically a title, it has been used as a given name in modern Ireland.

⚔️ Iarlaith

Pronunciation: YAR-lah
Meaning: Meaning “prince” or “sovereign,” this name was famously borne by Saint Iarlaith, a 6th-century bishop of Tuam. It remains a strong and traditional choice in Ireland.

⭐ Isaac (Íosác)

Pronunciation: EE-sak
Meaning: A biblical name meaning “he will laugh” in Hebrew. Though not originally Irish, it has been adapted into Irish as Íosác. Isaac Newton and Isaac Asimov are among its famous bearers.

🌊 Iain

Pronunciation: EE-an
Meaning: A second appearance of this name, reaffirming its strong Gaelic roots. The name is widely used in Scotland and Ireland, often linked to scholars and poets.

🛡️ Ivan (Íomhar)

Pronunciation: EE-vawn
Meaning: The Irish form of the Norse name Ivar, meaning “archer” or “warrior.” It was introduced to Ireland by Viking settlers and remains a name with strength and history.

⚓ Ivor (Íomhar)

Pronunciation: EYE-vor
Meaning: A name of Norse-Irish origin, meaning “bow warrior” or “sea warrior.” It was commonly used by the Vikings who settled in Ireland. Ivor Novello, the famous Welsh composer, is a notable namesake.

🌿 Irial

Pronunciation: EAR-ee-al
Meaning: An ancient Irish name meaning “noble” or “golden.” It was borne by legendary High Kings of Ireland, including Irial Fáid, son of Heremon.

🌊 Ilian (Ílian)

Pronunciation: ILL-ee-an
Meaning: Possibly derived from the Irish íolair, meaning “eagle.” It has a majestic, nature-inspired feel. The name is rare but has a poetic quality, evoking the wild beauty of Ireland.

🦁 Ionatan (Ionatán)

Pronunciation: YON-a-tawn
Meaning: The Irish form of Jonathan, meaning “gift of God.” Rare in Irish history, but linked to biblical and religious contexts. A strong yet underused name.

🏎️ Indy (Indí)

Pronunciation: IN-dee
Meaning: Possibly derived from the Irish indí, meaning “freedom” or “independent.” Also linked to Indiana Jones, it has an adventurous and playful feel.

We hope you enjoyed this list of Irish names starting with I, and that you found some names you liked. You might also be interested in our other resources on Irish names. We also have a list of Irish last names that start with I that you might find interesting.