"the Lord saves"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Isaiah
Pronunciation: [ eyez-AY-uh ]
Does Isaiah flow with your last name?
A prophet's name carrying the eternal promise of divine salvation
Hebrew
English
African American
Biblical
Spiritual
Strong
Classic
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Isaiah
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Meaning & Origin
"salvation of God, the Lord saves"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
"Yahweh is salvation"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Isaiah
Isaiah comes from the Hebrew Yeshayahu, meaning salvation of the Lord or God is salvation. Isaiah was one of the greatest Hebrew prophets, writing in the 8th century BCE during a period of Assyrian military expansion and national crisis. His book is the longest of the prophetic books, containing extraordinary poetry including the suffering servant songs which Christians interpret as messianic prophecy, the vision of the peaceable kingdom where lions lie down with lambs, and the comforting words that have consoled millions: those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles.
Isaiah has been in the US top 50 since the late 1990s, making it one of the most enduringly popular biblical names for boys. It is particularly beloved in African American communities and among Christian families seeking names with deep spiritual resonance and strong masculine energy.
The Book of Isaiah is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament, making it central to both Jewish and Christian theology. Isaiah's vision of the peaceable kingdom has become a universal symbol of hope and utopia. His words soar on wings like eagles appear on everything from graduation speeches to Olympic ceremonies.
Historical Record
Isaiah first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 243,463 babies have been named Isaiah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Isaiah is a steady classic , currently ranked #56 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Book of Isaiah is so stylistically varied that scholars debate whether it was written by one prophet or two—the debate has lasted centuries
- The phrase they shall beat their swords into plowshares comes from Isaiah 2:4 and is inscribed on a statue at United Nations headquarters in New York
- Two different NBA players named Isaiah Thomas played simultaneously in the league, requiring the NBA to differentiate them in record books
Isaiah in Other Languages
Arabic
اشعياء
French
Isaie
Hebrew
יְשַׁעְיָהוּ
Italian
Isaia
Spanish
Isaias
Portuguese
Isaias
Popularity Over Time
#56
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Isaiah
I
Isaiah Thomas
Athlete
1989
American NBA player and two-time All-Star known for extraordinary performances with the Boston Celtics
I
Isaiah Mustafa
Actor
1974
American actor and former NFL player, famous as the Old Spice Guy in viral commercials
I
Isaiah Washington
Actor
1963
American actor known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Scandal
I
Isaiah Berlin
Writer
1909
British-Russian philosopher and intellectual historian, known for The Hedgehog and the Fox and his concept of positive a...
British-Russian philosopher and intellectual historian, known for The Hedgehog and the Fox and his concept of positive and negative liberty
P
Prophet Isaiah
Religious
Hebrew prophet of the 8th century BCE whose writings form the Book of Isaiah, the most cited Old Testament text in the N...
Hebrew prophet of the 8th century BCE whose writings form the Book of Isaiah, the most cited Old Testament text in the New Testament
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #56
- Total SSA Count
- 5,250
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew English African American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Zay
Ike
Isa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Isaiah
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Isaiah is also used as a girl name, ranked #9258.
View Isaiah as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah
What does the name Isaiah mean?
"the Lord saves" (from Hebrew). "salvation of God, the Lord saves" (from Hebrew). "Yahweh is salvation" (from Biblical Hebrew). Isaiah comes from the Hebrew Yeshayahu, meaning salvation of the Lord or God is salvation. Isaiah was one of the greatest Hebrew prophets, writing in the 8th century BCE during a period of Assyrian military expansion and national crisis. His book is the longest of the prophetic books, containing extraordinary poetry including the suffering servant songs which Christians interpret as messianic prophecy, the vision of the peaceable kingdom where lions lie down with lambs, and the comforting words that have consoled millions: those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles.
What is the origin of the name Isaiah?
Isaiah has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, English, and African American origins. In Hebrew, it means "the Lord saves". In Hebrew, it means "salvation of God, the Lord saves". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "Yahweh is salvation".
Is Isaiah a boy or girl name?
Isaiah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #56. As a girl name, it is ranked #9258. Isaiah is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Isaiah?
Isaiah is pronounced eyez-AY-uh.
How popular is the name Isaiah?
Isaiah is currently ranked #56 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Isaiah?
Common nicknames for Isaiah include Zay, Ike, and Isa.
What are good middle names for Isaiah?
Popular middle name pairings include Isaiah James, Isaiah Michael, Isaiah David, Isaiah Thomas, Isaiah Alexander, Isaiah John, and Isaiah Emmanuel.
What are good sibling names for Isaiah?
Names that pair well with Isaiah as siblings include Elijah, Josiah, Miriam, Hannah, Ezekiel, Naomi, and Ezra.
How many syllables does Isaiah have?
Isaiah has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Isaiah a common or rare name?
Isaiah is a very popular name, ranked #56 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Isaiah?
About the Name Isaiah
Isaiah is a boy name with Hebrew, English, and African American origins . The name means "the Lord saves" in Hebrew .
Is Isaiah a boy or girl name? Isaiah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #56 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #9,258. Isaiah is more commonly used as a boy name.
Isaiah is currently ranked #56 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Isaiah has 3 syllables and is pronounced eyez-AY-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Isaiah include Zay, Ike, and Isa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Isaiah include Isaias, Isai . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis