What does Keisha mean and where does it come from?
Keisha is an American name, often considered a modern variant of the name 'Kisha.' It gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and is often linked to African American culture. The name is thought to be derived from the Arabic 'Qais,' meaning 'favorite' or 'beloved.' Notably, Keisha ha
Cultural significance
Keisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of favorite.
Peak popularity
Reached #233 in 1976 — currently #2738 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keisha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Keisha?
Keisha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keisha Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Keisha Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Keisha Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Keisha Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Keisha Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Keisha Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Keisha right now?
Falling — down 161 spots — currently #2738 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2738 | 63 | ▼ down 161 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #2577 | 69 | ▼ down 829 · -85% births |
| 2023 | #1748 | 452 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1753 | 432 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1758 | 402 | ▲ up 1627 · +793% births |
| 2020 | #3385 | 45 | ▼ down 451 · -24% births |
| 2015 | #2934 | 59 | ▼ down 54 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #2880 | 60 | ▼ down 802 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #2078 | 90 | ▼ down 704 · -34% births |
| 2000 | #1374 | 136 | ▼ down 726 · -59% births |
| 1995 | #648 | 333 | ▼ down 251 · -49% births |
| 1990 | #397 | 657 | ▼ down 43 · -1% births |
| 1985 | #354 | 667 | ▼ down 75 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #279 | 884 | ▼ down 38 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #241 | 1,015 | — |
The story of Keisha
Keisha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. A total of 22,040 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1119 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1748 in 2023. Keisha is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Keisha in 1976:
Keisha by decade
Keisha peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 905 | |
| 1970s ★ | 8,934 | |
| 1980s | 6,890 | |
| 1990s | 3,781 | |
| 2000s | 969 | |
| 2010s | 516 | |
| 2020s | 177 | |
What are good nicknames for Keisha?
What names sound and feel like Keisha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keisha also consider these
How is Keisha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Keisha
What does the name Keisha mean?
Keisha means "favorite" — a name rooted in American 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 Keisha?
Keisha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Keisha?
Keisha originates from American tradition. American 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 Keisha?
Keisha is a three-syllable name pronounced KE-izh-AH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Keisha?
Keisha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.