Some popular cartoon characters become icons the moment we meet them, and many of those icons start with the letter I. When you explore cartoon characters that begin with I, you’ll find a mix of imaginative heroes, intense villains, and instantly recognizable personalities that shaped animation across generations.
The letter I stands out because it often introduces characters with strong identities. Some inspire courage. Some bring humor. Others leave a lasting emotional impact through their journeys. From classic cartoons to modern anime, these characters are remembered for who they are and what they represent.
I’ve spent years exploring animated characters from Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and anime, and this guide is designed to keep things simple and useful. It’s organized, easy to scan, and written to help real users find answers quickly.
Below is a carefully curated list of cartoon characters that start with I, grouped by animation style and studio.
Let’s dive in.
Popular Cartoon Characters That Start With I
These are some of the most well-known and frequently searched cartoon characters that start with I:
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Iron Man – Animated Marvel superhero
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Ichigo Kurosaki – The Soul Reaper hero
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Incredible Hulk (Hulk) – Powerful animated icon
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Invader Zim (Zim) – Alien cartoon favorite
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Iago – The sarcastic parrot from Aladdin
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Ice Bear – The quiet member of We Bare Bears
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Inspector Gadget – The clumsy cartoon detective
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Ian Lightfoot – The adventurous elf from Onward
Disney Cartoon Characters That Start With I
Disney has introduced many memorable characters whose names begin with I.
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Iago (Aladdin)
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Ian Lightfoot (Onward)
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Isabela Madrigal (Encanto)
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Imelda Rivera (Coco)
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Ichabod Crane (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
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Iridessa (Tinker Bell)
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Ivan (The One and Only Ivan – animated adaptations)
Pixar Characters That Start With I
Pixar films also feature notable characters beginning with I.
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Ian Lightfoot (Onward)
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*Incredibles characters (The Incredibles)
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Ivy (Inside Out – background character)
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Izzy Hawthorne (Lightyear)
Cartoon Network & Nickelodeon Characters That Start With I
Many popular TV cartoon characters also start with I.
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Ice King (Adventure Time)
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Ice Bear (We Bare Bears)
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Izzy (Total Drama)
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Ian (Alvin and the Chipmunks – TV adaptations)
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Invader Zim (Invader Zim)
Anime & Other Popular Cartoon Characters That Start With I
This section includes anime and globally recognized animated characters, often grouped under cartoons.
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Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
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Inuyasha (Inuyasha)
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Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
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Izuku Midoriya (Deku) (My Hero Academia)
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Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
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Isabelle (Animal Crossing – animated appearances)
Why Are Cartoon Characters That Start With I So Impactful?
Based on animation trends and viewer behavior, characters starting with I often represent:
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Identity and inner struggle
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Intelligence and imagination
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Intensity and emotional depth
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Iconic design and personality
This makes the letter I especially memorable in animation.
FAQs
What are some cartoon characters that start with I?
Popular examples include Iron Man, Ichigo Kurosaki, Ice King, Inspector Gadget, Iago, and Ian Lightfoot.
Are there Disney cartoon characters that start with I?
Yes. Disney characters starting with I include Iago, Isabela Madrigal, Imelda Rivera, Ian Lightfoot, and Iridessa.
Which cartoon character starting with I is the most famous?
Iron Man and Inspector Gadget are among the most famous cartoon characters starting with I due to their long-standing popularity.
What are some female cartoon characters that start with I?
Female cartoon characters starting with I include Isabela Madrigal, Imelda Rivera, Iridessa, Izzy (Total Drama), and Isabelle.
What are some male cartoon characters that start with I?
Male cartoon characters starting with I include Iron Man, Ichigo Kurosaki, Ice King, Inspector Gadget, and Iroh.
Final Thoughts
Cartoon characters that start with I include some of the most iconic and emotionally rich figures in animation.
If you enjoy exploring characters alphabetically, you can continue with our Cartoon Names guide or move on to the next letter in the series.
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