MallowbyNames

Ishana

ईशानाee-SHAH-nuh · Derived from Sanskrit īśāna, meaning 'lord' or 'ruler', a name of the Hindu god Shiva.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,860
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
2012
2025 frequency
1 in 146,115 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2013

Declining since 2013, #8,860 for girls today.

Popularity of Ishana since 1999

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

91827200020102020Most births 2010Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s8
2000s113
2010s211
2020s74

Meaning & origin

Ishana first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1999, gradually gaining attention before reaching its peak rank of 8,860 in 2012. Since then, its usage has been in decline, with the trajectory indicating a steady decrease from 2013 onward. The name's appeal may stem from its melodic sound and its roots in Hindu mythology, where it serves as an epithet for Shiva. Despite its low overall rank, Ishana represents a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with spiritual resonance. Its rarity means that in 2025, approximately 1 in 146,115 newborns were named Ishana, reflecting its niche but enduring presence.

Ishana comes from the Sanskrit īśāna, a term meaning 'lord' or 'ruler', used as an epithet for the god Shiva in Hindu tradition. The name appears in ancient texts and has been adapted across Indian languages. In modern times, it has gained limited use in the English-speaking world, particularly among families of Indian heritage.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ishi, Ana

Variants: Ishani, Ishanaa, Eshana

Sibling names for Ishana

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

Sisters: Anaya, Kavya, Maya, Saanvi, Veda

Brothers: Arjun, Ishaan, Rohan, Vihaan, Yuvan

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

I is for Ishana, our favorite little girl.

I is for Ishana…”

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

Make Ishana's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ishana mean?
Ishana means 'lord' or 'ruler' in Sanskrit and is associated with the Hindu god Shiva.
How popular is the name Ishana?
As of 2025, Ishana ranks 8,860 in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 146,115 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2012, but usage has been declining since 2013.
Is Ishana a boy or girl name?
Ishana is used predominantly for girls in the United States, though it is masculine in its original Sanskrit context.