MallowbyNames

Iesha

ee-EE-shah · Variant of Aisha, meaning 'living, prosperous' in Arabic, though some sources also link it to the Swahili word for 'life'.

Peak popularity
1991
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1992

Declining since 1992.

Popularity of Iesha since 1968

Babies named Iesha per year in U.S. Social Security records.

6321.3k1.9k198020002020Most births 1991Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s7
1970s796
1980s1,586
1990s4,443
2000s499
2010s101
2020s20

Meaning & origin

Iesha is a phonetic spelling of the classic Arabic name Aisha, which first appeared in U.S. records in 1968. It experienced a peak in popularity in 1991, but has since been on a downward trajectory, falling steadily after 1992. Despite its relative rarity today, Iesha remains a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with Islamic roots or a distinctive spelling. Unlike its parent form Aisha, Iesha has not been recorded among the top 1,000 names in recent years and does not have a strong regional concentration, though it has been used across various states.

Iesha is a phonetic variant of Aisha, the name of the Prophet Muhammad's favorite wife, derived from the Arabic root 'a-y-sh' meaning 'to live'. The name gained popularity in African American communities in the United States during the late 20th century, often used to emphasize a connection to Islamic heritage or as an independent spelling. Its usage peaked in 1991 before declining.

Where Iesha is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ie, Esha

Variants: Aisha, Ayesha, Isha, Aysha

Sibling names for Iesha

Names that share Iesha's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

I is for Iesha, our favorite little girl.

I is for Iesha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Iesha's letter becomes Iesha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Iesha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Iesha mean?
Iesha is a variant of Aisha, which derives from the Arabic root meaning 'living, prosperous'. Some African interpretations also associate it with 'life'.
How popular is the name Iesha?
Iesha was most popular in 1991, ranking among the top 1,000 names for girls. Its usage has declined since the early 1990s.
Is Iesha a boy or girl name?
Iesha is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.