MallowbyNames

Isador

IZ-ə-dor · Gift of Isis

Peak popularity
1908
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2022

A 1900s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Isador since 1892

Babies named Isador per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Isador's real moment was 1908.

5914192019602000Most births 1915Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1890s5
1900s12
1910s92
1920s46
1930s9
1940s13
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s5

Meaning & origin

First recorded in 1892, Isador saw its peak popularity in 1908, a time when many classic, saintly names were widely favored. After decades of decline, the name is experiencing a quiet revival, with a rising trajectory since 2022. This resurgence aligns with a broader trend of parents rediscovering vintage names that carry a sense of history and distinctive charm. Isador shares phonetic and stylistic similarities with names like Oscar and Herman, and its flexible nickname Izzy makes it accessible in modern times.

Isador is a variant of Isidore, derived from the Greek name Isidoros, which combines the name of the Egyptian goddess Isis with the Greek word 'doron,' meaning 'gift.' The name was used among early Christians, honoring several saints, and became common in various European languages. Its use in English-speaking countries peaked around the turn of the 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Izzy, Dory

Variants: Isidore, Isidor, Isadore, Izydor

Sibling names for Isador

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

Sisters: Eleanor, Irma, Ruth, Clara, Ida

Brothers: Oscar, Leo, Herman, Sidney, Irving

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

I is for Isador, our favorite little boy.

I is for Isador…”

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

Make Isador's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Isador mean?
Isador means 'gift of Isis,' from the Greek Isidoros, combining the goddess Isis with 'doron' (gift).
How popular is the name Isador currently?
Isador was not ranked in the top 1000 names in 2025, but data shows it has been rising in use since 2022.
Is Isador a boy's or girl's name?
Isador is traditionally a boy's name, though it has occasionally been used for girls.