Issa

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicRising fast Also a pet name
#1530 81in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A member of a Somali clan, mainly residing in Djibouti; it is the larger of the two dominant ethnic groups.

Issa is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin, the Arabic form of Jesus, meaning 'God saves' from the Hebrew Yeshua. In Islam, Issa is revered as a prophet, and the name carries deep spiritual significance across Muslim communities worldwide.

In America, Issa gained contemporary cultural visibility through actress and creator Issa Rae (Insecure), who brought the name to mainstream attention as a female name as well. In Arabic tradition it remains distinctly male. A name of profound spiritual depth and growing cultural recognition.

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Popularity Over Time

Issa climbed 1235 spots in the last 20 years — from #2765 to #1530.

0295886115198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Issa
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s486
2010s665
2000s464
1990s296
1980s165
1970s107
1960s5

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(55 years, 19692024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Issa
YearBirthsRank
2024115#1530
2023108#1611
202292#1786
202184#1843
202087#1760
201973#2008
201887#1766
201764#2140
201681#1850
201554#2396
201471#2009
201358#2236
201266#2078
201156#2296
201055#2339
200946#2673
200849#2561
200768#2043
200645#2635
200562#2020

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Issa as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Issa has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 870 births since 1975.

#2283
Current rank
870
Total births
2024
Peak year
Compare Issa as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Issa be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Issa is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1530. As a girl's name, it ranks #2283.

Issa has two lives

Issa, the baby name
#1530boys
2,188 babies
Currently viewing
Issa, the pet name
#3124pet name
27 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19692024) · Methodology