Declining since 2007, #1,138 for boys today.
Popularity of Isai since 1966
Babies named Isai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 48 |
| 1980s | 352 |
| 1990s | 1,207 |
| 2000s | 2,622 |
| 2010s | 2,026 |
| 2020s | 1,079 |
Meaning & origin
Isai is a Spanish and Portuguese variant of Jesse, a biblical name with deep roots in Judeo-Christian tradition. First recorded in U.S. data in 1966, it reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it ranked highest among baby names. Since then, its usage has declined steadily, with 511 boys named Isai in 2025, equivalent to a rate of 1 in 9,183. The name is most popular in states like Wisconsin, Washington, and Arizona, reflecting its concentration among Hispanic communities. While not among the most common names, Isai maintains a consistent presence, appealing to families seeking a biblical name with a distinct cultural flavor.
Isai is a Spanish and Portuguese form of Jesse, which comes from the Hebrew name Yishai (יִשַׁי), meaning 'gift' or 'God exists.' In the Bible, Jesse is the father of King David, making the name significant in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The Spanish and Portuguese adaptation Isai has been used among Hispanic communities, particularly in Latin America.
Where Isai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Isai” around the world
Where Isai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Is
Variants: Isaí
Sibling names for Isai
Names that share Isai's style, for a brother or sister.
