Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Isa
UnisexArabic· “Arabic form of Jesus”
- Meaning
- Arabic form of Jesus
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- EE-suh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #933
- US babies 2025
- 253
- Best rank
- #933 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Isa
Isa is an Arabic name that means “Arabic form of Jesus”.
Isa carries two main traditions. In Arabic, Isa is the name of Jesus, who is honored as a prophet in Islam and mentioned in the Quran. In European languages, Isa is often a short form of Isabel or Isabella, which gives it a soft, feminine feel. The name is used for both boys and girls, making it a flexible choice. It is short, simple and easy to pronounce, usually EE-suh. Isa feels warm, international and meaningful, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Isa first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 2025. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #933, and its highest count, 253 babies. Use has grown 126% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #2,575 in 1980, #2,644 in 2000, #1,890 in 2010, and #933 in 2025. Of the 3,142 US boys named Isa since records began, 34% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,049 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Laken, Ripley, Jovi, Denim, and Joan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Isa ranked highest in Virginia, Illinois, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #464 | 17 |
| Illinois | #523 | 19 |
| New Jersey | #530 | 14 |
| New York | #536 | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | #642 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Isa is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 39% of US babies named Isa were girls and 61% were boys.
Isa is usually pronounced EE-suh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with I and ends in “-sa”.
Middle names for Isa
A few middle names that flow with Isa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Isa
Similar names
Musa Boy
MOO-sah
“Arabic form of Moses” · Arabic
#470
Issa Unisex
EE-suh
“Arabic form of Jesus” · Arabic
#1,682
Asa Boy
AY-suh
“healer, physician” · Hebrew
#483
Omar Boy
OH-mahr
“long-lived; flourishing” · Arabic
#260
Maryam Girl
MAIR-ee-uhm
“uncertain; form of Miriam” · Arabic
#351
Yusuf Boy
YOO-suhf
“he will add” · Arabic
#450
Hana Girl
HAH-nuh
“flower; also bliss” · Japanese
#658
Yousef Boy
YOO-sehf
“he will add” · Arabic
#745
Yahya Boy
YAH-yuh
“Arabic form of John” · Arabic
#616
Hafsa Girl
HAHF-suh
“young lioness” · Arabic
#1,452
Tessa Girl
TES-uh
“short for Theresa” · English
#311
Ismail Boy
is-mah-EEL
“God will hear” · Arabic
#1,065
Lists that include Isa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Isa mean?
Isa is an Arabic name that means “Arabic form of Jesus”.
What is the origin of the name Isa?
Isa has Arabic roots. Isa carries two main traditions.
Is Isa a popular name?
Yes. Isa ranked #933 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Isa a boy or girl name?
Isa is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 39% of US babies named Isa were girls and 61% were boys.
How do you pronounce Isa?
Isa is usually pronounced EE-suh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings