The name Isa has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, believed to have emerged during the early Islamic period around the 7th century AD. It is a variant spelling of the name Isa, which is the Arabic form of the name Jesus.

The name Isa traces its roots to the Semitic root word 'ysh', meaning 'to save' or 'to deliver'. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which was later Hellenized as Iesous and then Latinized as Iesus. The name Isa is mentioned several times in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, as a reference to Jesus Christ.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Isa can be found in the Quran itself, where Jesus is referred to as Isa ibn Maryam (Isa, son of Mary). The Quran speaks highly of Isa as a prophet and messenger of God, and he is revered as a significant figure in Islamic tradition.

Throughout history, the name Isa has been borne by several notable figures, including Isa ibn Musa al-Qazwini (1203-1283), a Persian scholar and writer who authored works on geography and natural history. Another prominent individual with this name was Isa ibn Ali al-Nuri (1839-1892), a Sudanese Islamic scholar and religious leader.

In the realm of literature, Isa ibn Hisham (d. 833) was an early Arabic philologist and grammarian who wrote commentaries on the works of ancient Arabic poets. Isa ibn Masah (d. 942) was a renowned physician and scholar from Baghdad, known for his contributions to the field of medicine.

More recently, Isa Boletini (1864-1916) was an Albanian revolutionary and a key figure in the struggle for Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire. He is considered a national hero in Albania.

The name Isa has been used across various cultures and regions influenced by Islamic traditions, and its meaning and significance are deeply rooted in the Islamic faith and reverence for the Prophet Jesus.