"nocturnal journey, night travel"
Isra
Named for the Prophet's miraculous night journey
Meaning & Origin
"to travel at night"
The Story of Isra
Isra comes from the Arabic root 'sara' meaning to travel at night. The name is directly connected to Al-Isra, the 17th chapter of the Quran, which describes the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens (Miraj). The story, occurring in approximately 621 CE, is one of the most significant events in Islamic tradition.
Isra has grown in popularity across Muslim communities worldwide as parents seek names with deep Quranic significance. Its short, melodic sound makes it accessible in non-Arabic speaking countries while maintaining profound spiritual meaning.
In Islamic tradition, Al-Isra wal-Miraj (the Night Journey and Ascension) is celebrated annually and is one of Islam's holiest events. Naming a daughter Isra honors this miraculous journey, giving her name a connection to the heart of Islamic spirituality and the story of the Prophet's closeness to God.
Fun Facts
- Al-Isra is the 17th chapter of the Quran, also called Bani Isra'il (Children of Israel)
- The Night Journey (Isra) is commemorated on the 27th day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar
- Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque is where the Night Journey began, making Isra deeply connected to this holy city
Isra in Other Languages
Famous People Named Isra
Isra Hirsi
Activist
2003
American climate activist and daughter of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar
Israa Ghribi
Athlete
1988
Tunisian judoka and Olympic athlete
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,617
- Total SSA Count
- 129
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Islamic Turkish South Asian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Isra is also used as a boy name, ranked #16494.
View Isra as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Isra
What does the name Isra mean?
What is the origin of the name Isra?
Is Isra a boy or girl name?
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What are common nicknames for Isra?
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What are good sibling names for Isra?
How many syllables does Isra have?
Is Isra a common or rare name?
About the Name Isra
Isra is a girl name with Arabic, Islamic, Turkish, and South Asian origins . The name means "nocturnal journey, night travel" in Arabic .
Is Isra a boy or girl name? Isra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,617 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,494. Isra is more commonly used as a girl name.
Isra is currently ranked #1,617 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Isra has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Isra include Iz and Izzy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Isra include Israel, Israa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.