Declining since 1991, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Nisa since 1953
Babies named Nisa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 81 |
| 1970s | 174 |
| 1980s | 146 |
| 1990s | 539 |
| 2000s | 391 |
| 2010s | 262 |
| 2020s | 121 |
Meaning & origin
Nisa is a rare and cross-cultural name first recorded in the U.S. in 1953. It has never been common, but enjoyed its highest usage in 1991, when it ranked highest among years. Since then its popularity has declined, reflecting a falling trajectory from that peak. The name appears most frequently in New York, suggesting a concentration among families with Middle Eastern or Jewish heritage. Its multiple possible origins, from the Arabic word for "women" to a Hebrew term for "banner," give it a layered background, though no single etymology is certain today. For parents seeking a short, distinctive name with international resonance, Nisa offers simplicity and subtle depth.
Nisa may derive from Arabic nisā' meaning "women" (plural of imra'a), or from Hebrew nissa meaning "to test" or "banner." It could also be a variant of Nissa, a Scandinavian pet form of names ending in -niss. The name has seen modest use in the United States since the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1953.
Where Nisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nisa” around the world
Where Nisa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Nisa
Names that share Nisa's style, for a brother or sister.
