Rising since 1985, #1,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Isra since 1985
Babies named Isra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 28 |
| 1990s | 115 |
| 2000s | 337 |
| 2010s | 611 |
| 2020s | 678 |
Meaning & origin
Isra is a name with deep spiritual roots in the Islamic tradition, referring to the Prophet Muhammad's night journey. Since its first U.S. appearance in 1985, it has been on a steady upward trajectory, reaching a peak rank of 1,458 in 2025, when it occurred at a rate of 1 in 10,934 births. Its rising path suggests growing awareness and appreciation among American families. The name is most popular in Minnesota, Virginia, and New York, reflecting concentrated use in communities with strong cultural ties to the Arabic-speaking world. While still uncommon, Isra stands out for its distinctive sound and profound meaning, offering a connection to a significant religious narrative.
Isra derives from the Arabic root 's-r-w' meaning 'to travel by night.' In Islamic tradition, it refers to the 'Night Journey' (Isra') of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem. The name has been used across the Muslim world and has gained modest popularity in the United States since the 1980s.
Where Isra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Isra” around the world
Where Isra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
200
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Issy, Izzy
Variants: Israa, Essra
Sibling names for Isra
Names that share Isra's style, for a brother or sister.
