Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Keisha
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “uncertain; perhaps from Keziah”
- Meaning
- uncertain; perhaps from Keziah (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KEE-shuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,738
- US babies 2025
- 63
- Best rank
- #233 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1977
Meaning and origin of Keisha
Keisha is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps from Keziah”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Keisha is an American name that emerged in African American communities in the mid-twentieth century. Its origin is uncertain. One common suggestion is Keziah, a daughter of Job in the Bible whose name refers to the cassia spice tree; another is that it was created around the sound of names such as Lakeisha, which appeared in the same period. It is said KEE-shuh, and the spelling is usually the one people expect. Related forms include Lakeisha, Keesha and Kesha. The name is strongly tied to its era, which gives it a confident retro character today rather than a trendy one.
Popularity over time
Keisha first appears in US Social Security records in 1961. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1967. Its best national rank was #233 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1977, when 1,050 were named Keisha. In 2025, 63 babies were named Keisha, and it ranked #2,738 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #279 in 1980, #1,375 in 2000, #2,883 in 2010, and #2,738 in 2025. Of the 22,293 US girls named Keisha since records began, 40% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 6,882 babies. Since 2010, 856 more have been named Keisha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jami, Tameka, Amie, Kizzy, and Lakisha.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Keisha ranked highest in Florida and Ohio.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Keisha is usually pronounced KEE-shuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Keisha
A few middle names that flow with Keisha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Keisha
Similar names
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Lists that include Keisha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Keisha mean?
Keisha is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps from Keziah”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Keisha?
Keisha has modern American roots. Keisha is an American name that emerged in African American communities in the mid-twentieth century.
Is Keisha a popular name?
Not especially. Keisha ranked #2,738 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Keisha a boy or girl name?
Keisha is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Keisha?
Keisha is usually pronounced KEE-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