Rising since 1985, #1,677 for boys today.
Popularity of Issa since 1969
Babies named Issa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 18 | 107 |
| 1980s | 32 | 165 |
| 1990s | 66 | 296 |
| 2000s | 126 | 464 |
| 2010s | 299 | 665 |
| 2020s | 388 | 586 |
Meaning & origin
Issa has seen a steady climb in U.S. usage since the mid 1980s. First recorded in 1969, it reached its peak rank of 1677 in 2025, with a 1 in 17,429 frequency. The name's growth reflects broader trends toward multicultural names, especially those with Arabic and Hebrew origins. Issa is most popular in Michigan, Ohio, and New York, states with significant Arab American and Jewish communities. Its simplicity and cross-cultural appeal make it a distinctive yet accessible choice.
Issa has multiple possible origins. In Arabic, 'Isa (عيسى) is the name for Jesus in Islam, derived from Hebrew Yeshua (salvation). In Hebrew, it can be a short form of Yissachar (reward). In Swahili, similar forms like Issa or Isa are used with the Arabic meaning. The name appears in various cultures, often as a variant of Jesus or a standalone name.
Where Issa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Issa” around the world
Where Issa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#78
in 2024
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Iss
Sibling names for Issa
Names that share Issa's style, for a brother or sister.
