Ishaq

♂ Boy

Pronounced is-HAHK /ɪsˈhɑːq/High

Meaning: The Arabic form of Isaac, from the Hebrew Yitzhak meaning he will laugh or laughter; name of the patriarch Isaac, son of Abraham and father of Jacob, revered in Islam, Judaism, and ChristianityHigh

In 30 seconds: Ishaq is the Arabic form of Isaac, meaning he will laugh, honoring the patriarch son of Abraham revered across Islam, Judaism, and Christianity as a figure of divine promise and joy.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningThe Arabic form of Isaac, from the Hebrew Yitzhak meaning he will laugh or laughter; name of the patriarch Isaac, son of Abraham and father of Jacob, revered in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity

History & Origin

Ishaq is the Arabic transliteration of the Hebrew Yitzhak, meaning he will laugh or laughter. The name commemorates the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age — Sarah's reaction of surprised laughter gave the child his name. Ishaq is recognized in the Quran and Islamic tradition as a prophet and patriarch.

The name Ishaq has been in continuous use across the Arabic-speaking and Muslim world for over a millennium. It is found widely in Arab countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and among Muslim communities globally. Ibn Ishaq (c. 704–767 AD) was a celebrated Arab historian and the earliest biographer of the Prophet Muhammad, bringing additional luster to the name.

Did you know? In the Quran, the birth of Ishaq is announced to the aged Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) by angels — his name, meaning laughter, reflects Sarah's joyful disbelief that she could bear a child in old age.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Isaac / Ishaq — Arabic and Hebrew etymologyThe Quran — Surah Hud 11:71 — Quranic reference to Ishaq's birth

Variations

IsaacIshaaqIsakEshaq

Nicknames

Ish

Famous Bearers

★Ibn Ishaq (704–767)
Arab Muslim historian who compiled the earliest known biography of the Prophet Muhammad, the Sirat Rasul Allah.

If you like Ishaq…

Ibrahim— the Arabic form of Abraham, the father of Ishaq in the same tradition

Ismail— fellow Abrahamic patriarch name in Arabic form used by Muslim families

Idris— same Islamic prophetic naming tradition and Arabic language

Isaac— the Hebrew/English form of the identical name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ishaq mean?

Ishaq means he will laugh or laughter, from the Hebrew Yitzhak. It is the Arabic form of Isaac, the son of Abraham in the Abrahamic traditions.

How do you pronounce Ishaq?

It is pronounced is-HAHK, two syllables with stress on the second, with a guttural Q sound at the end.

Is Ishaq a boy or girl name?

Ishaq is used exclusively as a boys name.

How popular is Ishaq?

Ishaq is a common name in Arab countries and among Muslim communities worldwide, though it is less common in English-speaking countries outside those communities.