Moises
BoySpanish, Hebrew· “drawn out of the water”
- Meaning
- drawn out of the water (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- moy-SEHS
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #587
- US babies 2025
- 502
- Best rank
- #308 (2001)
- Peak year
- 2001
Meaning and origin of Moises
Moises is often said to mean “drawn out of the water”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Hebrew roots.
Moisés is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Moses, the prophet and lawgiver of the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Exodus connects the name with a Hebrew verb meaning to draw out, because Pharaoh's daughter drew the baby from the water. Many scholars, however, think the name more likely comes from an Egyptian word meaning son or born, found in names like Thutmose, so its true origin is uncertain. Moisés has long been used across Spain, Portugal and Latin America, and it is familiar in the United States. It carries a sense of steadiness and tradition, and Moi is a friendly nickname.
Popularity over time
Moises first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 70 different years, starting in 1893. Its best national rank was #308 in 2001, the same year it reached its highest count of 912 babies. In 2025, 502 babies were named Moises, and it ranked #587 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,105 in 1920, #1,156 in 1950, #500 in 1980, #323 in 2000, #425 in 2010, and #587 in 2025. Of the 31,345 US boys named Moises since records began, 27% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,364 babies. Since 2010, 9,617 more have been named Moises.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Isiah, Jaheim, Javon, Kolby, and Ahmad.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Moises ranked highest in Nebraska, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #261 | 10 |
| Texas | #340 | 112 |
| California | #365 | 96 |
| Arizona | #407 | 19 |
| New Mexico | #408 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Moises is usually pronounced moy-SEHS, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-es”.
Middle names for Moises
A few middle names that flow with Moises: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Moises
Similar names
Lists that include Moises
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Moises mean?
Moises is often said to mean “drawn out of the water”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Moises?
Moises has Spanish, Hebrew, and Egyptian roots. Moisés is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Moses, the prophet and lawgiver of the Hebrew Bible.
Is Moises a popular name?
Yes. Moises ranked #587 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Moises a boy or girl name?
Moises is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Moises?
Moises is usually pronounced moy-SEHS. 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