MallowbyNames

Johnisha

joh-NEE-shah · Combination of John and the fashionable suffix -isha, no intrinsic meaning.

Peak popularity
1993
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Johnisha since 1978

Babies named Johnisha per year in U.S. Social Security records.

142943198020002020Most births 1993Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s13
1980s120
1990s264
2000s67
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Johnisha is a modern feminine name first recorded in the United States in 1978. It reached its peak popularity in 1993, during a decade when many -isha suffixed names were fashionable. Although it has never appeared in the top 1000 names, its usage has remained stable over the years, typically given to a small but consistent number of girls each year. The name reflects a creative naming tradition, blending the classic John with a trendy suffix to create a distinctive sound. While it has no traditional etymology or deep historical roots, its components are immediately recognizable. The name is a clear example of late 20th century American naming innovation.

Johnisha is a modern coinage, formed from the male name John (ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious') combined with the popular feminine suffix -isha, which gained prominence in African American naming practices during the late 20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1978 and saw its peak usage in 1993. It remains a rare but stable choice.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jo, Neesha, Nisha

Variants: Jonisha

Sibling names for Johnisha

Names that share Johnisha's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Johnisha, our favorite little girl.

J is for Johnisha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Johnisha's letter becomes Johnisha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Johnisha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Johnisha mean?
Johnisha is a modern invented name, combining John with the suffix -isha. It has no traditional meaning but derives from John, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.'
How popular is the name Johnisha?
Johnisha is very rare and has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1993, and it has remained stable in usage since then.
Is Johnisha a boy or girl name?
Johnisha is overwhelmingly used as a girl's name.