Find out how popular the first name Isaac has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Isaac by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Isaac is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Isaac being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6,581 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Isaac.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby girls were named Isaac in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Isaac

The name Isaac originates from the Hebrew language and can be traced back to ancient biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yitzchak, which means "he laughs" or "he shall laugh." This name is deeply rooted in the Abrahamic religions, particularly Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

In the Book of Genesis, Isaac is the name given to the son of Abraham and Sarah, who was born when they were already very old. The name was chosen by God as a symbol of the laughter and joy that accompanied his birth. Isaac played a pivotal role in the biblical narrative as the patriarch of the Israelites and the father of Jacob and Esau.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Isaac can be found in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, which dates back to around the 8th century BCE. The name appears frequently throughout the text, particularly in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Chronicles.

Throughout history, the name Isaac has been borne by numerous notable figures. One of the most famous was Isaac Newton, the English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and natural philosopher, who lived from 1642 to 1727. His groundbreaking work, including the laws of motion and the universal law of gravitation, laid the foundations for classical mechanics and made him one of the most influential scientists of all time.

Another prominent figure with the name Isaac was Isaac Asimov, the American writer and professor of biochemistry, who lived from 1920 to 1992. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential science fiction writers of the 20th century, known for his works such as the Foundation series and the Three Laws of Robotics.

In the realm of music, Isaac Stern was a renowned American violinist who lived from 1920 to 2001. He was celebrated for his virtuosic performances and his efforts to promote and preserve classical music. Additionally, Isaac Hayes, the American singer-songwriter and actor, who lived from 1942 to 2008, left an indelible mark on the world of soul music with his iconic songs and soundtracks, including the theme from the film "Shaft."

Another notable bearer of the name was Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Polish-American writer and Nobel Prize laureate, who lived from 1902 to 1991. He was widely recognized for his literary works that explored the Jewish experience and preserved the traditions and folklore of Eastern European Jewish communities.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Isaac, highlighting its enduring popularity and cultural significance across various fields and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Isaac was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Isaac, please contact us.

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