"God saves, God is salvation"
Origin: Hebrew via Arabic
Language: English
Issa
Pronunciation: [ IHS-uh ]
Does Issa flow with your last name?
The Arabic name for Jesus, beloved across the Islamic world
Arabic
Muslim
Swahili
East African
West African
Spiritual
Classic
Elegant
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the Arabic form of Jesus"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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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.
Historical Record
Issa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 2,188 babies have been named Issa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Issa is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,533 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,533
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Issa
I
Issa Rae
Actor
1985
American actress, writer, and producer known for Insecure, her groundbreaking HBO series about Black women in LA
I
Issa ibn Maryam
Religious
Prophet Jesus as named in the Quran, revered as one of Islam's five greatest prophets
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See all →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
Common Nicknames
Is
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Issa
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Issa is also used as a girl name, ranked #2286.
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Same Origin Names (Arabic)
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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 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.
What boy names are similar to Issa?
Are there other spellings for Issa?
Related spellings include Issac.
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.
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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