Keisha

Girl Name #2,567 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A bold biblical spice name with soul

African-American American Caribbean

Bold Strong Modern Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"cassia tree, cinnamon spice"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

"favorite, precious one"

Origin: African-American coined

Language: English

The Story of Keisha

Keisha is an African-American innovation rooted in the biblical name Keziah (also spelled Kezia), the name of one of Job's three daughters in the Old Testament. Keziah derives from the Hebrew word for the cassia tree, a plant related to cinnamon whose fragrant bark was prized as a spice and used in ancient anointing oils. The name gained new life in African-American communities during the late 20th century as parents sought names with both cultural resonance and a distinctly modern sound.

Keisha rose strongly in the US during the 1970s-1990s, particularly within African-American communities, as part of a broader movement celebrating distinctive cultural identity through naming. The name peaked in the 1980s and has since declined as naming tastes shifted.

In African-American naming tradition, Keisha represents a creative bridge between biblical heritage and contemporary Black identity. The name's bold sound and rhythmic quality made it emblematic of an era when parents actively crafted names that sounded distinctly their own.

Fun Facts

Keziah, the root name, appears in the Book of Job as one of the most beautiful women of her time
The cassia plant referenced was used in ancient temple incense described in Exodus
Kesha (the pop singer) uses a variant spelling that helped revive awareness of the name in the 2010s

Keisha in Other Languages

Arabic كيشا

French Keisha

Hebrew קְצִיעָה (Ketziah)

Spanish Keisha

Famous People Named Keisha

Keisha Castle-Hughes

Actor

1990

New Zealand actress nominated for an Academy Award for Whale Rider at age 13

Keisha Buchanan

Musician

1984

British singer and member of the pop group Sugababes

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,567
Total SSA Count: 69
Cultural Origins: African-American American Caribbean
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Kei Kee

Pairs Well With

Keisha Marie Keisha Nicole Keisha Renee Keisha Lynn Keisha Monique Keisha Simone Keisha Danielle

Sibling Names

Deja Aaliyah Jordan Tamara Malik Jada Brianna Marcus

Also a Boy Name

Keisha is also used as a boy name, ranked #40013.

View Keisha as a boy name →

Similar Names

Kezia Keziah

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Keisha

What does the name Keisha mean?

"cassia tree, cinnamon spice" (from Hebrew). "favorite, precious one" (from African-American coined). Keisha is an African-American innovation rooted in the biblical name Keziah (also spelled Kezia), the name of one of Job's three daughters in the Old Testament. Keziah derives from the Hebrew word for the cassia tree, a plant related to cinnamon whose fragrant bark was prized as a spice and used in ancient anointing oils. The name gained new life in African-American communities during the late 20th century as parents sought names with both cultural resonance and a distinctly modern sound.

What is the origin of the name Keisha?

Keisha has Hebrew, African-American coined, African-American, American, and Caribbean origins. In Hebrew, it means "cassia tree, cinnamon spice". In African-American coined, it means "favorite, precious one".

Is Keisha a boy or girl name?

Keisha is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2567. As a boy name, it is ranked #40013. Keisha is more commonly used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Keisha?

Keisha is currently ranked #2567 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Keisha?

Common nicknames for Keisha include Kei and Kee.

What are good middle names for Keisha?

Popular middle name pairings include Keisha Marie, Keisha Nicole, Keisha Renee, Keisha Lynn, Keisha Monique, Keisha Simone, and Keisha Danielle.

What are good sibling names for Keisha?

Names that pair well with Keisha as siblings include Deja, Aaliyah, Jordan, Tamara, Malik, Jada, Brianna, and Marcus.

How many syllables does Keisha have?

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

Is Keisha a common or rare name?

Keisha is an uncommon name, ranked #2567 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Keisha

Keisha is a girl name with African-American, American, and Caribbean origins . The name means "cassia tree, cinnamon spice" in Hebrew .

Is Keisha a boy or girl name? Keisha is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,567 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,013. Keisha is more commonly used as a girl name.

Keisha is currently ranked #2,567 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Keisha has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Keisha include Kei and Kee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.