Rising since 1988, #1,272 for girls today.
Popularity of Isha since 1960
Babies named Isha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 238 |
| 1980s | 387 |
| 1990s | 486 |
| 2000s | 1,575 |
| 2010s | 1,436 |
| 2020s | 1,007 |
Meaning & origin
The name Isha entered U.S. birth records in 1960 and has been steadily rising in use since 1988. By 2025, it ranked 1272nd nationally, with a frequency of about 1 in 9,132 girls. Its peak year so far was 2023, reflecting growing interest, particularly in states like Washington, New Jersey, and California. The name's dual Sanskrit and Arabic heritage gives it a cross-cultural appeal, though these origins are distinct. The Sanskrit root often connects to meanings like 'life' or 'desire', while the Arabic link ties it to the well-known name Aisha, wife of the Prophet Muhammad. This layered background makes Isha a name that carries both spiritual and worldly resonances, without leaning heavily on any single tradition. Its upward trajectory over the past three decades suggests it is increasingly embraced by diverse communities.
Isha has dual origins. In Sanskrit, it is derived from ईश (īśa) meaning 'lord' or 'ruler', but in modern usage it is often associated with the feminine name Isha meaning 'life' or 'desire', related to the root 'ish' (to desire). Separately, Isha is also a common transliteration of the Arabic name Aisha (عائشة), meaning 'living' or 'prosperous'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries from the 1960s onward, particularly among families of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage.
Where Isha 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.
“Isha” around the world
Where Isha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ish, Ishi
Sibling names for Isha
Names that share Isha's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Arya, Noor, Lila, Zara, Aadya, Aarna, Akshara, Anvi, Mahi, Nidhi, Aarohi, Aarvi, Aavya, Adhira, Adithi, Amulya, Anagha, Anjana, Ankita, Anoushka, Disha, Kriti, Megha, Nayana, Riddhi, Shloka, Siddhi, Siyona, Sriya, Urvi, Vidya, Arohi, Arushi, Ayushi, Charvi, Deeksha, Divisha, Krithi, Lasya, Maanya, Mahek, Manasa, Mihika, Netra, Nirali, Radha, Soumya, Sreya, Tvisha, Anshi, Pranshi, Shrika, Aarini, Aashika, Anuja, Apoorva, Avisha, Bhumi, Deepti, Dhruti, Dhwani, Lekha, Nishita, Nupur, Prapti, Priyal, Ritisha, Saesha, Savani, Shaily, Shaivi, Sharvi, Srija, Stuti, Torsha, Twisha
Brothers: Aryan, Kai, Ravi, Zayn, Arjun, Aarush, Anirudh, Ansh, Ayush, Krishiv, Parth, Rohit, Sai, Ved, Yash, Aariv, Aarnav, Abhishek, Adarsh, Advay, Ahaan, Akshat, Amogh, Anant, Anik, Ankit, Ankur, Anuj, Avik, Avyukt, Avyukth, Chetan, Darsh, Kavish, Madhav, Manav, Naman, Nayan, Neev, Pavan, Prem, Rishan, Ritvik, Rohaan, Saketh, Satvik, Shlok, Shrey, Shreyan, Tanay, Tanish, Tej, Virat, Vyom, Aarish, Aashrith, Abhi, Akul, Aniket, Aniketh, Anvay, Ashwath, Divit, Eashan, Eeshan, Gyan, Harsha, Jeet, Kathan, Manan, Mayur, Mehul, Mivaan, Mohit, Nihaal, Nihal, Omkar, Parag, Rithik, Ronav, Sayan, Shivay, Shravan, Shray, Shriyan, Shubham, Skanda, Soham, Suhas, Tushar, Vardaan, Vineet, Viren, Vishwa, Bharat, Samik, Aashish, Anir, Arihant, Bhavesh, Dhairya, Garv, Kashis, Kaushal, Kaveer, Keval, Manas, Namish, Nihit, Prajwal, Rajat, Rishikesh, Rishit, Rishiv, Rushi, Safal, Sankalp, Sharad, Shayon, Shivin, Smaran, Srihith, Sriyaan, Suhan, Tarak, Tirth, Vidit, Vinayak, Viraat
