Isis

Pronunciation: [ EYES-uhs ]

Girl Name #1,083 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An ancient goddess name with complicated modern baggage

Egyptian Greek Roman

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Meaning & Origin

"throne, seat of power"

Origin: Ancient Egyptian

Language: Egyptian

"goddess of magic and nature"

Origin: Ancient Egyptian

Language: Greek

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.

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)

Famous People Named Isis

Isis King

Entertainer

1985

American model and actress, the first openly transgender contestant on America's Next Top Model (Cycle 11)

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

Isis (Marvel Comics) Fictional

Other

Superhero character in DC Comics and the 1970s TV show Shazam!, a teacher who transforms into an Egyptian goddess

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

Pairs Well With

Isis Rose Isis Marie Isis Grace Isis Jade Isis Luna Isis Skye Isis Violet

Sibling Names

Osiris Athena Luna Aurora Delia Cleo Orion

Also a Boy Name

Isis is also used as a boy name, ranked #22941.

View Isis as a boy name →

Similar Names

Irene Inez Ira Eris Aris Idris Irie Charis

Playground Safety

Some Teasing Potential

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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 common nicknames for Isis?

Common nicknames for Isis include Is.

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.