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

Popularity of Issa by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Issa is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 72% of people named Issa being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 107 male babies and 61 female babies born with the name Issa.

The history of the first name Issa

The given name Issa finds its origins in the Arabic language, tracing back to the 7th century CE. It is a variant of the name Isa, which itself is derived from the Arabic version of the name Jesus. The name Issa is believed to have its roots in the Semitic word "yashua," meaning "he will save" or "the salvation of God."

In Islamic tradition, Issa is the Arabic name used for Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the Quran. The name appears frequently in the sacred text, referring to Jesus as a revered prophet and messenger of God. This connection to Islamic scripture has contributed significantly to the popularity and cultural significance of the name Issa across the Arab world and regions influenced by Islamic culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Issa can be found in the writings of the 9th-century Arab philosopher and polymath, Al-Kindi. In his works, he referred to Jesus Christ as Issa, reflecting the prevalent usage of the name during that era.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Issa. One of the most prominent was Issa ibn Musa al-Naushari, an 8th-century Arab mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the development of spherical geometry and the calculation of the solar year.

Another historical figure with the name Issa was Issa al-Masih, a 7th-century Christian leader in the Arabian Peninsula who is believed to have played a role in the spread of Christianity in the region before the rise of Islam.

In the 20th century, Issa Pliyev, a Chechen writer and revolutionary born in 1880, was a notable figure who used the name Issa. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Chechen literary language and was a prominent figure in the struggle for Chechen independence.

Issa Samb, a Senegalese writer and politician born in 1925, was another influential figure who carried the name. He served as the Vice President of Senegal and was known for his literary works that explored themes of African identity and cultural heritage.

The name Issa has also been borne by various religious leaders and scholars throughout history, including Issa al-Nuri, an 11th-century Islamic scholar and jurist from modern-day Iraq, and Issa ibn Masah al-Jazari, a 12th-century Arab scientist and inventor known for his contributions to the field of robotics and mechanical engineering.

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 Issa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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