Isis

Meaning & origin

Isis, a name of ancient Egyptian origin, derives from the goddess Aset, whose name may mean 'throne.' It has been used as a given name since the early 20th century, first recorded in 1901. The name experienced a notable rise in popularity, reaching its peak rank in 2005, but saw a sharp decline after 2015 due to its association with the terrorist organization known as ISIS. In 2025, it ranked 1622 with a 1 in 12,557 frequency. Since 2017, however, the name's trajectory has been rising again, perhaps as the cultural memory of that association fades. Top states for Isis include Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, indicating a stronger presence in the Northeast.

Isis is the Greek and Latin name of the ancient Egyptian goddess Aset, one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Her name may mean 'throne' in reference to her role as the mother of Horus and the embodiment of the pharaoh's power. The name became widely known through Greek and Roman sources, and has been used as a given name since the 20th century, gaining popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Its usage declined sharply after 2015 due to its association with the militant group ISIS.