Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Isra
GirlArabic· “night journey”
- Meaning
- night journey
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- IHZ-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,463
- US babies 2025
- 147
- Best rank
- #1,463 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Isra
Isra is an Arabic name that means “night journey”.
Isra is an Arabic name meaning night journey. It refers to the Isra, the journey that Islamic tradition describes the Prophet Muhammad making by night from Mecca to Jerusalem, followed by his ascent to heaven, the Mi'raj. The seventeenth chapter of the Quran is titled Al-Isra after this event. As a given name, Isra is used widely in Muslim families, mostly for girls. It is said IHZ-ruh in English, with a closer Arabic pronunciation of iss-RAH. The name carries a spiritual meaning in a short, graceful form. In Turkey the same name is usually written Esra.
Popularity over time
Isra first appears in US Social Security records in 1985. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,463, and its highest count, 147 babies. Use has grown 123% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,110 in 2000, #3,174 in 2010, and #1,463 in 2025. Of the 1,769 US girls named Isra since records began, 38% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 611 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Rochel, Elianny, Hartley, Blakelynn, and Eowyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Isra ranked highest in Minnesota, Virginia, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #275 | 20 |
| Virginia | #718 | 10 |
| New York | #879 | 18 |
| New Jersey | #979 | 7 |
| Illinois | #1058 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Isra over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Isra is usually pronounced IHZ-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Isra
A few middle names that flow with Isra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Isra
Similar names
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ZY-ruh
Italian
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YOOS-ruh
“ease, prosperity” · Arabic
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SY-ruh
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Sidra Girl
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Azra Girl
AZ-ruh
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Noura Girl
NOOR-uh
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Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
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Zahra Girl
ZAH-ruh
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Yara Girl
YAH-ruh
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Kiera Girl
KEER-uh
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Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
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Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
“bright, clear” · Italian
#1,066
Lists that include Isra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Isra mean?
Isra is an Arabic name that means “night journey”.
What is the origin of the name Isra?
Isra has Arabic roots. Isra is an Arabic name meaning night journey.
Is Isra a popular name?
Not especially. Isra ranked #1,463 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Isra a boy or girl name?
Isra is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Isra over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Isra?
Isra is usually pronounced IHZ-ruh. 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