Declining since 2000, #1,477 for boys today.
Popularity of Isiah since 1880
Babies named Isiah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 251 |
| 1890s | 313 |
| 1900s | 340 |
| 1910s | 894 |
| 1920s | 1,270 |
| 1930s | 964 |
| 1940s | 1,056 |
| 1950s | 1,009 |
| 1960s | 687 |
| 1970s | 541 |
| 1980s | 1,653 |
| 1990s | 5,471 |
| 2000s | 7,042 |
| 2010s | 2,408 |
| 2020s | 811 |
Meaning & origin
Isiah is a variant spelling of Isaiah, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880. Its popularity peaked in 2001, but it has since declined, fitting a falling trajectory from the year 2000 onward. Currently ranked 1477th in 2025, Isiah is given to approximately 1 in 14,234 newborn boys. The name has seen the most use in Arizona, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. Though less common than the standard spelling Isaiah, Isiah offers a streamlined phonetic form that retains the strong biblical and spiritual resonance of its source.
Isiah is a phonetic respelling of the Hebrew name Isaiah (Yeshayahu), which means 'Yahweh is salvation.' The name Isaiah appears in the Old Testament as a major prophet. The variant Isiah emerged in the United States as a simplified spelling, likely influenced by pronunciation to maintain the long 'i' sound. It has been in use since the late 19th century, with modest but steady popularity.
Where Isiah 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Izzy, Zay, Zaye
Variants: Isaiah
Sibling names for Isiah
Names that share Isiah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Isiah
Names whose popularity has moved with Isiah's over the last 50 years.
