What does Isa mean and where does it come from?
In Hebrew, Isa (יסע) translates to 'God is salvation', while in Arabic, it is the name for Jesus (عيسى). It has also been used in various cultures, including Japanese and Spanish, where it may carry different meanings. Isa has gained popularity as a standalone name in various countries owing to its
Cultural significance
Isa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is salvation.
Peak popularity
Reached #417 in 1881 — currently #1188 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Isa?
Isa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Isa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Isa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Isa Claire
French influence · crisp
Isa Jane
Literary · strong
Isa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Isa right now?
Rising fast — up 271 spots — currently #1188 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1188 | 170 | ▲ up 271 · +37% births |
| 2022 | #1459 | 124 | ▼ down 202 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #1257 | 152 | ▲ up 789 · +71% births |
| 2020 | #2046 | 89 | ▲ up 424 · +22% births |
| 2015 | #2470 | 73 | ▲ up 541 · +30% births |
| 2010 | #3011 | 56 | ▲ up 158 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #3169 | 49 | ▲ up 2146 · +133% births |
| 2000 | #5315 | 21 | ▼ down 293 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #5022 | 19 | ▼ down 491 · -10% births |
| 1990 | #4531 | 21 | ▼ down 543 · +5% births |
| 1985 | #3988 | 20 | ▼ down 669 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #3319 | 25 | ▼ down 154 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #3165 | 22 | ▲ up 285 · +22% births |
| 1970 | #3450 | 18 | ▲ up 104 · +38% births |
| 1965 | #3554 | 13 | — |
The story of Isa
Isa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 5,158 total births recorded, Isa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #875 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1188 in 2023. Isa is used for both genders: 57% female and 43% male.
Names that peaked alongside Isa in 1881:
Isa by decade
Isa peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 129 | |
| 1890s | 142 | |
| 1900s | 124 | |
| 1910s | 182 | |
| 1920s | 161 | |
| 1930s | 117 | |
| 1940s | 83 | |
| 1950s | 74 | |
| 1960s | 145 | |
| 1970s | 278 | |
| 1980s | 328 | |
| 1990s | 420 | |
| 2000s | 938 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,812 | |
| 2020s | 225 | |
💎With 5,158 total births, Isa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Isa?
Famous people named Isa
I(
Isa (historical community leader)
Isa led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
I(
Isa (historical figure)
Isa bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Isa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Isa also consider these
Common questions about the name Isa
What does the name Isa mean?
Isa means "God is salvation" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Isa?
Isa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Isa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Isa?
Isa originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Isa?
Isa is a two-syllable name pronounced IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Isa trending right now?
Isa is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.