Quranic Names for Boys Starting with I
Choosing a name for a baby boy is a special moment in every parent’s life. For Muslim families, it’s even more meaningful when the name is derived from the Quran—the holy book that guides our lives. Below is a curated list of Quranic names for boys starting with I, along with their meanings, Arabic spelling, and Quranic references.

Name | Meaning | Arabic | Quranic Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Idrees | “Interpreter”, Prophet | إِدْرِيس | Surah Maryam (19:56), Surah Anbiya (21:85) |
Ilyas | “The Lord is my God”, Prophet | إِلْيَاس | Surah As-Saffat (37:123) |
Ibrahim | “Father of Nations””, Prophet” | إِبْرَاهِيم | Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124) |
Imran | “”Prosperity””, name of a pious man” | عِمْرَان | Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:33) |
Ihsan | Excellence, Perfection | إِحْسَان | Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Surah An-Nahl (16:90) |
Imaan | Faith, Belief | إِيمَان | Surah Al-Baqarah (2:62), Surah An-Nisa (4:136) |
Ishaq | “”One who laughs”, Prophet | إِسْحَاق | Surah Hud (11:71), Surah As-Saffat (37:112) |
Ismail | “”God will hear”, Prophet | إِسْمَاعِيل | Surah Maryam (19:54) |
Ibtisam | Smile | ابْتِسَام | Derived from root ب-س-م Surah An-Naml 27:30 in Basmala) |
Imam | Leader, Guide | إِمَام | Surah Al-Furqan (25:74), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124), Surah Ya-Sin (36:12) |
Quranic Names for Boys Starting with I
1. Idrees (إِدْرِيس)
Idrees (AS) was a noble Prophet of Allah mentioned in the Quran. According to Islamic tradition, he was known for his wisdom and was the first to write with a pen. Allah says in Surah Maryam (19:56): “And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.”
2. Ilyas (إِلْيَاس)
Ilyas is the Arabic version of Elijah, a prophet (AS) known for calling people away from idol worship. The Quran mentions him in Surah As-Saffat (37:123): “And indeed, Ilyas was among the messengers.”
3. Ibrahim (إِبْرَاهِيم)
Ibrahim (AS), the beloved friend (Khalil) of Allah, is one of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Quran. His unwavering faith and role in establishing monotheism are foundational in Islam. His story is detailed extensively in Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Ibrahim, and others.
4. Imran (عِمْرَان)
Imran was the father of Maryam (AS) (Mary), and his family is praised in the Quran. Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:33) states: “Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran over the worlds.”
5. Ihsan (إِحْسَان)
Ihsan is a beautiful concept in Islam that means doing things with excellence and sincerity. It appears in various verses, including Surah An-Nahl (16:90), which promotes justice, good conduct, and Ihsan.
6. Imaan (إِيمَان)
Though commonly used for girls, Imaan is also suitable for boys. It means faith or belief and is a core theme of the Quran. The term is mentioned in many places, such as Surah An-Nisa (4:136): “O you who have believed, believe in Allah…”
7. Ishaq (إِسْحَاق)
Ishaq (AS), son of Ibrahim (AS) and father of Yaqub (AS), is a prophet mentioned with great honor. Surah Hud (11:71) and Surah As-Saffat (37:112) highlight his birth and prophethood.
8. Ismail (إِسْمَاعِيل)
Ismail (AS) was the firstborn son of Ibrahim (AS) and a prophet. Known for his patience and obedience, his story is deeply tied to Hajj rituals. Mentioned in Surah Maryam (19:54) and Surah As-Saffat (37:101).
9. Ibtisam (ابْتِسَام)
Though not mentioned directly, Ibtisam is derived from the root ب-س-م, linked to smiling and positivity. It resonates with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s habit of smiling often. The root is seen in Basmala (بِسْمِ اللهِ), which appears throughout the Quran.
10. Imam (إِمَام)
Surah Al-Furqan (25:74), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124), Surah Ya-Sin (36:12)
Quranic Names for Boys Starting with I
These Quranic names for boys starting with I, not only carry deep meanings but also connect your child to the divine heritage of Islam. May Allah guide you in selecting a name filled with barakah, meaning, and purpose.
Explore: Quranic Names for Boys