Meaning: God is salvation; or Jesse (the father of King David); Spanish form of Isai (a shortened form of Isaiah or Jesse in Spanish/Latin American tradition)Medium
In 30 seconds: A Spanish-language Hebrew name connected either to Isaiah ('God is salvation') or Jesse (the father of David), used in Latin American communities. Its two-syllable rhythmic sound fits the broader trend for biblical two-syllable boys' names.
MeaningGod is salvation; or Jesse (the father of King David); Spanish form of Isai (a shortened form of Isaiah or Jesse in Spanish/Latin American tradition)
U.S. rank (2024)#1066 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births204 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,151
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Isai appears in Spanish as a form of Jesse (Hebrew: Yishai, meaning 'gift,' possibly also 'God exists'), who was the father of King David. It may also be a short form of Isaiah. Used in Latin American communities.
Isai ranked #1066 for boys in 2024, used primarily in Hispanic communities.
Did you know? Jesse (Isai in Spanish) was the father of King David — and through that lineage, the biblical genealogy traces all the way to Jesus of Nazareth. The Jesse Tree is a Christian artistic tradition depicting this entire lineage.
Overall data confidence 80%
U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
IsaiahJesse
Nicknames
Isa
Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Isai…
Isaiah— the full Hebrew form that Isai may abbreviate
Elias— Greek/Hebrew two-syllable biblical name in the same register
Eli— short Hebrew biblical name with the same quiet strength
Jesse— the English form of the same Jesse/Yishai root
Josue— Spanish form of Joshua, in the same Spanish-biblical naming tradition
Frequently Asked
What does the name Isai mean?
Isai is a Spanish form of Jesse (Yishai: gift, or God exists) — the father of King David — or a short form of Isaiah (God is salvation).
How do you pronounce Isai?
It's said ee-SY — two syllables, stress on the second.
