Japanese names starting with I
24 Japanese girl and boy names that start with I, grouped by their first sound, with kanji, meanings and popularity.
I is one of the five Japanese vowels, said like the ee in see. I- names include classics such as Ichirō and Isamu and modern favourites such as Itsuki, Iori and Ibuki.
Many I- names start with 一 (one, first), traditionally given to a first son, or with 伊, used for its sound.
Across all 24 names, the kanji that most often begin a I name are 一 (one), 伊 ((used for its sound), 郁 (fragrant).
On this page
Names starting with Ichi-
5 names. Ichi- is most often written 一 (one), 壱 (one), 市 (market).
Names starting with Iku-
4 names. Iku- is most often written 郁 (fragrant), 育 (to raise).
Other I names
15 names.
How I names are written
Japanese names are chosen for their kanji as much as their sound. These are the kanji that most often begin a I name, counting every spelling on this page. 9 of these names are popular today, and 3 are classics from before 1990.
| Kanji | Meaning | Spellings |
|---|---|---|
| 一 | one, first | 15 |
| 伊 | (used for its sound, i) | 7 |
| 郁 | fragrant, cultured | 6 |
| 絃 | string (of an instrument) | 4 |
| 勇 | brave | 3 |
| 樹 | tree | 3 |
| 勲 | merit | 3 |
| 岩 | rock | 3 |
Questions
What is a popular Japanese girl name starting with I?
Ichika (一花) is one of the best-known: 一 one + 花 flower. Popular now · best No. 3.
What is a popular Japanese boy name starting with I?
Itsuki (樹) is one of the best-known: 樹 tree. Popular now · best No. 2.
Which I names sound old-fashioned in Japan?
Names that were popular before 1990 and have since dropped out of the rankings, such as Isamu, Ichirō, Isao, now sound like names of parents and grandparents.