Issa

Pronunciation: [ IHS-uh ]

Boy Name #1,533 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The Arabic name for Jesus, beloved across the Islamic world

Arabic Muslim Swahili East African West African

Spiritual Classic Elegant Strong

Meaning & Origin

"God saves, God is salvation"

Origin: Hebrew via Arabic

Language: English

"the Arabic form of Jesus"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

The Story of Issa

Issa is the Arabic name for Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew, meaning 'God saves' or 'God is salvation'). In the Quran, he is called Issa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary) and is revered as one of Islam's five greatest prophets. The name has been used for centuries across the Arabic-speaking world, Muslim communities throughout Africa and Asia, and in Swahili-speaking East Africa, where it carries profound religious significance.

Issa gained wider recognition in English-speaking countries through comedian and actress Issa Rae, whose groundbreaking HBO series Insecure (2016-2021) brought the name into mainstream consciousness and made it feel both culturally grounded and contemporary.

Issa ibn Maryam is considered one of the five greatest prophets in Islam alongside Muhammad, Abraham, Moses, and Noah. He will return at the end of times according to Islamic eschatology, making the name carry profound theological weight for Muslim families worldwide.

Fun Facts

In Islamic theology, Issa (Jesus) is considered one of the five greatest prophets, honored in the Quran with an entire chapter (Surah Maryam)
Issa Rae (born Jo-Issa Rae Diallo) popularized the name for a new generation through her Emmy-nominated series Insecure

Issa in Other Languages

Hausa Isa

Arabic عيسى

Persian عیسی

Swahili Issa

Turkish İsa

Famous People Named Issa

Issa Rae

Actor

1985

American actress, writer, and producer known for Insecure, her groundbreaking HBO series about Black women in LA

Issa ibn Maryam

Religious

Prophet Jesus as named in the Quran, revered as one of Islam's five greatest prophets

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,533
Total SSA Count: 115
Cultural Origins: Arabic Muslim Swahili East African West African
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Issac #856

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Issa Ahmad Issa Omar Issa Malik Issa Ibrahim Issa Yusuf Issa Kareem Issa Tariq

Sibling Names

Omar Tariq Amara Laila Yasmin Idris Amina

Also a Girl Name

Issa is also used as a girl name, ranked #2286.

View Issa as a girl name →

Similar Names

Jessie Jessie Jeff Asa Jesus Isa Jersey Jessi

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Issa

What does the name Issa mean?

"God saves, God is salvation" (from Hebrew via Arabic). "the Arabic form of Jesus" (from Arabic). Issa is the Arabic name for Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew, meaning 'God saves' or 'God is salvation'). In the Quran, he is called Issa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary) and is revered as one of Islam's five greatest prophets. The name has been used for centuries across the Arabic-speaking world, Muslim communities throughout Africa and Asia, and in Swahili-speaking East Africa, where it carries profound religious significance.

What is the origin of the name Issa?

Issa has Hebrew via Arabic, Arabic, Muslim, Swahili, East African, and West African origins. In Hebrew via Arabic, it means "God saves, God is salvation". In Arabic, it means "the Arabic form of Jesus".

Is Issa a boy or girl name?

Issa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1533. As a girl name, it is ranked #2286. Issa is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Issa?

Issa is pronounced IHS-uh.

How popular is the name Issa?

Issa is currently ranked #1533 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Issa?

Common nicknames for Issa include Is.

What are good middle names for Issa?

Popular middle name pairings include Issa Ahmad, Issa Omar, Issa Malik, Issa Ibrahim, Issa Yusuf, Issa Kareem, and Issa Tariq.

What are good sibling names for Issa?

Names that pair well with Issa as siblings include Omar, Tariq, Amara, Laila, Yasmin, Idris, and Amina.

How many syllables does Issa have?

Issa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Issa a common or rare name?

Issa is an uncommon name, ranked #1533 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Issa

Issa is a boy name with Arabic, Muslim, Swahili, East African, and West African origins . The name means "God saves, God is salvation" in Hebrew via Arabic .

Is Issa a boy or girl name? Issa is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,533 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,286. Issa is more commonly used as a boy name.

Issa is currently ranked #1,533 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Issa has 2 syllables and is pronounced IHS-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Issa include Is. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Issa include Issac . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.