Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ishaan
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “lord, ruler”
- Meaning
- lord, ruler
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- ee-SHAHN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #895
- US babies 2025
- 266
- Best rank
- #794 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Ishaan
Ishaan is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “lord, ruler”.
Ishaan comes from the Sanskrit Ishana, meaning lord or ruler. In Hindu tradition, Ishana is a name of the god Shiva and is associated with the northeast direction. The name has become popular in India and among families of Indian heritage around the world. It has a smooth, modern sound and a strong meaning. Ishaan is easy to pronounce in English, and Ish is a friendly nickname. It pairs well with both Indian and English middle names.
Popularity over time
Ishaan first appears in US Social Security records in 1990. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 18 different years, starting in 2008. Its best national rank was #794 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 289 babies. In 2025, 266 babies were named Ishaan, and it ranked #895 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,069 in 2000, #830 in 2010, and #895 in 2025. Of the 5,462 US boys named Ishaan since records began, 47% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,584 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jaxx, Alaric, Merrick, Khalid, and Jakobe.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ishaan ranked highest in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #437 | 18 |
| Massachusetts | #529 | 9 |
| California | #583 | 51 |
| Georgia | #639 | 16 |
| Washington | #708 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Ishaan is usually pronounced ee-SHAHN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with I and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Ishaan
A few middle names that flow with Ishaan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ishaan
Similar names
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Lists that include Ishaan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ishaan mean?
Ishaan is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “lord, ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Ishaan?
Ishaan has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Ishaan comes from the Sanskrit Ishana, meaning lord or ruler.
Is Ishaan a popular name?
Yes. Ishaan ranked #895 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ishaan a boy or girl name?
Ishaan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Ishaan?
Ishaan is usually pronounced ee-SHAHN. 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