Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Isha
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “ruler, lord”
- Meaning
- ruler, lord
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- EE-shuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,276
- US babies 2025
- 176
- Best rank
- #1,085 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Isha
Isha is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “ruler, lord”.
Isha comes from Sanskrit and is usually explained as ruler or lord, from the root isha, meaning to rule, and it can also refer to the divine feminine. The name is linked to the Isha Upanishad, one of the classical Hindu texts. In Hebrew, the word ishah means woman, giving the name another dimension. Isha is widely used in India and among families of Indian heritage around the world. It sounds soft and clear, with two syllables. It is easy to pronounce in English.
Popularity over time
Isha first appears in US Social Security records in 1960. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,085 in 2002, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 209 were named Isha. In 2025, 176 babies were named Isha, and it ranked #1,276 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,362 in 1980, #1,635 in 2000, #1,485 in 2010, and #1,276 in 2025. Of the 5,151 US girls named Isha since records began, 31% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,436 babies. Since 2010, 2,443 more have been named Isha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Xolani, Arizbeth, Zaya, Wrenly, and Ariela.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Isha ranked highest in Washington, New Jersey, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #557 | 12 |
| New Jersey | #639 | 12 |
| California | #705 | 44 |
| North Carolina | #936 | 10 |
| Colorado | #975 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Isha is usually pronounced EE-shuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Isha
A few middle names that flow with Isha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Isha
Similar names
Asha Girl
AH-shuh
“hope” · Sanskrit
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SY-shuh
“uncertain; modern Indian name” · Hindi
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NAY-hah
“love, affection” · Hindi
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Anisha Girl
uh-NEE-shuh
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Nisha Girl
NEE-shuh
“night” · Sanskrit
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Leela Girl
LEE-luh
“play, divine play” · Sanskrit
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Aarya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
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Meera Girl
MEER-uh
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Aarna Girl
AR-nuh
Sanskrit
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Jaya Girl
JY-uh
“victory” · Sanskrit
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Nila Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
#1,754
Tanvi Girl
TAHN-vee
“slender, delicate” · Sanskrit
#4,059
Lists that include Isha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Isha mean?
Isha is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “ruler, lord”.
What is the origin of the name Isha?
Isha has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Isha comes from Sanskrit and is usually explained as ruler or lord, from the root isha, meaning to rule, and it can also refer to the divine feminine.
Is Isha a popular name?
Not especially. Isha ranked #1,276 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Isha a boy or girl name?
Isha is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Isha?
Isha is usually pronounced EE-shuh. 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