Isidore

Meaning & origin

Isidore is a name of Greek origin meaning 'gift of Isis,' first recorded in U.S. data in 1881. It reached its peak rank of 505 in 1914, when it was far more common than today. In the latest year, Isidore ranks 3,583, given to only about 1 in 55,099 newborns, indicating a very low and stable level of use. The name has a long religious history through figures like Saint Isidore of Seville, but has never regained the modest popularity it saw in the early 20th century. While no top states are associated with Isidore, its trajectory remains stable, appealing to parents seeking a classic, saintly name with a distinctive ancient heritage.

Isidore is derived from the Greek name Isidoros, meaning 'gift of Isis,' from Isis (the Egyptian goddess) and doron (gift). The name was borne by several early saints, including the 4th-century Egyptian hermit Saint Isidore of Alexandria and the 6th-century Saint Isidore of Seville, a scholar and Doctor of the Church. It was used in medieval Europe, especially in Spain and France, and later among English-speaking Catholics.