A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Isa since 1880
Babies named Isa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Isa's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 129 | 0 |
| 1890s | 142 | 0 |
| 1900s | 124 | 0 |
| 1910s | 176 | 6 |
| 1920s | 156 | 5 |
| 1930s | 117 | 0 |
| 1940s | 83 | 0 |
| 1950s | 74 | 0 |
| 1960s | 133 | 12 |
| 1970s | 188 | 90 |
| 1980s | 180 | 148 |
| 1990s | 194 | 226 |
| 2000s | 392 | 547 |
| 2010s | 771 | 1,049 |
| 2020s | 574 | 1,059 |
Meaning & origin
Isa has been in use in the United States since at least 1880, when it first appeared in Social Security data. Its peak year was 1881, with a subsequent decline and recent resurgence. Since 1995, the name has been on a rising trajectory, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Isla and Ava. In 2025, Isa ranked 1710th nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 13,506 births. The name saw notable use in Wisconsin, Washington, and California, reflecting its broad geographic appeal. Isa's appeal may stem from its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance, connecting both to Arabic tradition and modern English name trends.
Isa may have multiple origins. In English-speaking countries, it is often used as a short form of Isabella or as a variant of the modern name Isla. In Arabic, Isa (عيسى) is the name for Jesus in Islam. The name's usage as a standalone given name in the United States likely draws from these various traditions.
Where Isa 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.
“Isa” around the world
Where Isa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Isa
Names that share Isa's style, for a brother or sister.
