"God is salvation"
Origin: Hebrew/Aramaic
Language: Hebrew
Essa
Pronunciation: [ EHS-uh ]
Does Essa flow with your last name?
The Quranic name for the prophet Jesus
Muslim
Arabic
South Asian
Spiritual
Traditional
Elegant
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Essa
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"the prophet Jesus in Islam"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Essa
Essa is the Arabic and Syriac form of Isa, which is itself the Quranic and Islamic version of Jesus. The name traces back to the Hebrew Yeshua meaning God saves or God is salvation, the same root as Joshua and Jesus. In Islam, Essa ibn Maryam — Jesus son of Mary — is revered as one of the five greatest prophets, making this name deeply sacred in Muslim tradition.
Essa is widely used across Muslim-majority countries and among Muslim communities worldwide. It offers a direct connection to prophetic tradition while being short, easy to pronounce, and elegantly simple.
In Islam, Prophet Essa is held in the highest esteem — he performed miracles, spoke as an infant, and will return in the End Times according to Islamic eschatology. Naming a son Essa is an act of profound religious devotion.
Historical Record
Essa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1978.
Over 708 babies have been named Essa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Essa is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,161 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Essa ibn Maryam is mentioned 25 times in the Quran by name
- The name Isa/Essa is one of the most widely recognized religious names across the globe, known in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions
Essa in Other Languages
Urdu
عیسی
Arabic
عيسى
English
Jesus/Joshua
Persian
Isa
Turkish
Isa
Popularity Over Time
#3,161
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Essa
E
Essa Al Dafiri
Athlete
Kuwaiti sprint canoeist who competed at the Olympic level
E
Essa ibn Maryam
Other
The Prophet Jesus as described in the Holy Quran, revered as one of the five greatest prophets in Islam
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,161
- Total SSA Count
- 38
- Cultural Origins
- Muslim Arabic South Asian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Es
Ess
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Essa
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Essa is also used as a girl name, ranked #24247.
View Essa as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Essa
What does the name Essa mean?
"God is salvation" (from Hebrew/Aramaic). "the prophet Jesus in Islam" (from Arabic). Essa is the Arabic and Syriac form of Isa, which is itself the Quranic and Islamic version of Jesus. The name traces back to the Hebrew Yeshua meaning God saves or God is salvation, the same root as Joshua and Jesus. In Islam, Essa ibn Maryam — Jesus son of Mary — is revered as one of the five greatest prophets, making this name deeply sacred in Muslim tradition.
What is the origin of the name Essa?
Essa has Hebrew/Aramaic, Arabic, Muslim, and South Asian origins. In Hebrew/Aramaic, it means "God is salvation". In Arabic, it means "the prophet Jesus in Islam".
Is Essa a boy or girl name?
Essa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3161. As a girl name, it is ranked #24247. Essa is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Essa?
Essa is pronounced EHS-uh.
How popular is the name Essa?
Essa is currently ranked #3161 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Essa?
Common nicknames for Essa include Ess.
What are good middle names for Essa?
Popular middle name pairings include Essa Muhammad, Essa Ali, Essa Hassan, Essa Ibrahim, Essa Yusuf, and Essa Kareem.
What are good sibling names for Essa?
Names that pair well with Essa as siblings include Isa, Ibrahim, Maryam, Fatima, Yusuf, and Zahra.
How many syllables does Essa have?
Essa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Essa a common or rare name?
Essa is an uncommon name, ranked #3161 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Essa?
Are there other spellings for Essa?
Related spellings include Essiah.
About the Name Essa
Essa is a boy name with Muslim, Arabic, and South Asian origins . The name means "God is salvation" in Hebrew/Aramaic .
Is Essa a boy or girl name? Essa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,161 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,247. Essa is more commonly used as a boy name.
Essa is currently ranked #3,161 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Essa has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHS-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Essa include Es and Ess. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Essa include Essiah . 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