Isom

♂ Boy

Pronounced EYE-sum /ˈaɪ.səm/Medium

Meaning: Isom is an English surname, generally a variant of Isham — itself from a place name in Northamptonshire meaning 'homestead on the river Ise.' It became a given name in the American South, sometimes also read as a short form of Isham or Isaac.Low

In 30 seconds: Isom is an English surname name, a cousin of Isham (said 'EYE-sum') — a Southern vintage pick with real roots.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningIsom is an English surname, generally a variant of Isham — itself from a place name in Northamptonshire meaning 'homestead on the river Ise.' It became a given name in the American South, sometimes also read as a short form of Isham or Isaac.

U.S. rank (2024)#12983 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,775

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Isom comes from the English surname, most often a worn-down form of Isham, a Northamptonshire place name — 'homestead on the Ise.' In the nineteenth-century American South it took hold as a first name and stayed there, giving it a distinctly vintage, regional warmth (said 'EYE-sum').

In the U.S. it is rare today, an old name with a quiet comeback feel. Rare, vintage, and Southern-rooted.

Did you know? Isom likely traces to Isham, an English place name meaning 'homestead on the river Ise.' It became a familiar given name in the American South (said 'EYE-sum').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Isom — English surname, variant of Isham; Southern U.S. given-name use

Variations

IshamIsemIsum

Nicknames

IkeSonny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Warren— shares Isom's English roots

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Isom mean?

Isom is an English surname, generally a variant of Isham, from a place name meaning 'homestead on the river Ise.'

How do you pronounce Isom?

It's said EYE-sum /ˈaɪ.səm/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Isom a boy or girl name?

Isom is a boy's name.

How popular is Isom?

Isom is rare for boys in the U.S. today, though it was more common in the past.