"throne, seat of power"
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Language: Egyptian
Isis
Pronunciation: [ EYES-uhs ]
Does Isis flow with your last name?
An ancient goddess name with complicated modern baggage
Egyptian
Greek
Roman
Spiritual
Bold
Literary
Vintage
Unique
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Meaning & Origin
"goddess of magic and nature"
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Language: Greek
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the terrorist organization ISIS/ISIL since approximately 2013-2014. While the name has ancient historical significance, this association has dramatically reduced its use in Western countries.
The Story of Isis
Isis is one of the oldest and most powerful names in human history, derived from the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs meaning 'throne.' She was the goddess of magic, healing, motherhood, and nature — the most widely worshipped goddess in the ancient world, with temples from Rome to India. The Greeks adopted her worship enthusiastically, and her cult spread across the Mediterranean world for over 3,000 years.
Isis was a moderately popular name in English-speaking countries through the early 2010s, buoyed by its connection to ancient mythology and the River Isis (the Thames's upper reaches in Oxford, England). Its use dropped precipitously after 2013-2014 when the Islamic State terrorist organization became widely known by the acronym ISIS, making the name extremely difficult to use comfortably.
Isis was perhaps the most important goddess of the ancient world. She was worshipped in Egypt for over 3,000 years, and her cult spread throughout the Roman Empire. She was goddess of motherhood, magic, healing, death, and rebirth. The image of Isis nursing her son Horus is thought to have influenced early depictions of the Virgin Mary.
Historical Record
Isis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1960.
Over 11,745 babies have been named Isis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Isis is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,083 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Isis was worshipped for over 3,000 years — longer than Christianity has existed
- Her temple at Philae in Egypt remained active until the 6th century AD
- The River Isis — the upper Thames through Oxford — was named in honor of the goddess and still carries that name today
Isis in Other Languages
Greek
Ἶσις
Latin
Isis
Arabic
إيزيس
Spanish
Isis
Egyptian
ꜣst (Aset)
Popularity Over Time
#1,083
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Isis
I
Isis King
Entertainer
1985
American model and actress, the first openly transgender contestant on America's Next Top Model (Cycle 11)
I
Isis (Egyptian goddess)
Religious
One of the most powerful goddesses of the ancient world, worshipped across Egypt and the Roman Empire for over 3,000 yea...
One of the most powerful goddesses of the ancient world, worshipped across Egypt and the Roman Empire for over 3,000 years
I
Isis (Marvel Comics) Fictional
Other
Superhero character in DC Comics and the 1970s TV show Shazam!, a teacher who transforms into an Egyptian goddess
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Compare Isis with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,083
- Total SSA Count
- 228
- Cultural Origins
- Egyptian Greek Roman
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Is
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Isis
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Isis is also used as a boy name, ranked #22941.
View Isis as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Egyptian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Isis
What does the name Isis mean?
"throne, seat of power" (from Ancient Egyptian). "goddess of magic and nature" (from Ancient Egyptian). Isis is one of the oldest and most powerful names in human history, derived from the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs meaning 'throne.' She was the goddess of magic, healing, motherhood, and nature — the most widely worshipped goddess in the ancient world, with temples from Rome to India. The Greeks adopted her worship enthusiastically, and her cult spread across the Mediterranean world for over 3,000 years.
What is the origin of the name Isis?
Isis has Ancient Egyptian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman origins. In Ancient Egyptian, it means "throne, seat of power". In Ancient Egyptian, it means "goddess of magic and nature".
Is Isis a boy or girl name?
Isis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1083. As a boy name, it is ranked #22941. Isis is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Isis?
Isis is pronounced EYES-uhs.
How popular is the name Isis?
Isis is currently ranked #1083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Isis?
Popular middle name pairings include Isis Rose, Isis Marie, Isis Grace, Isis Jade, Isis Luna, Isis Skye, and Isis Violet.
What are good sibling names for Isis?
Names that pair well with Isis as siblings include Osiris, Athena, Luna, Aurora, Delia, Cleo, and Orion.
How many syllables does Isis have?
Isis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Isis a common or rare name?
Isis is an uncommon name, ranked #1083 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Isis
Isis is a girl name with Egyptian, Greek, and Roman origins . The name means "throne, seat of power" in Ancient Egyptian .
Is Isis a boy or girl name? Isis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,083 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #22,941. Isis is more commonly used as a girl name.
Isis is currently ranked #1,083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Isis has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYES-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Isis include Is. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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