Issa

♀ Girl

Pronounced EE-suh /ˈiː.sə/High

Meaning: Arabic form of Jesus, God savesHigh

In 30 seconds: Issa is the Arabic form of Jesus meaning God saves, also used as an independent feminine name in West African and modern American contexts. A short powerful two-syllable name.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningArabic form of Jesus, God saves

U.S. rank (2024)#2283 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births81 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 870

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Issa is the Arabic/Aramaic form of the Hebrew Yeshua (Jesus), meaning God saves. It appears in the Quran as the name of the prophet Jesus. In West Africa, Issa is also used as an independent given name.

Issa gained broader American visibility through comedian and actress Issa Rae, creator of HBO's Insecure (2016–2021). As a feminine name in the US it sits at the intersection of African heritage and modern minimalism.

Did you know? In the Quran, Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary) is one of the most revered prophets — making Issa a name held sacred in both Islamic and Christian traditions, a rare bridge across the Abrahamic faiths.

Overall data confidence 83%

Wehr, Arabic-English Dictionary — reference for IssaBehind the Name: Isa — name etymology referenceQuran 3:45 commentary — reference for Issa

Variations

IsaEesa

Nicknames

Iss

Famous Bearers

★Issa Rae (1985–present)
American actress, writer and producer, co-creator and star of HBO's Insecure.

If you like Issa…

Aisha— Arabic feminine name of similar brevity and spiritual weight

Zara— short Arabic-origin name with similar modern feel

Imani— Swahili/African name with similar spiritual meaning

Nia— short African-origin feminine name of similar character

Amara— African feminine name of similar two-syllable warmth

Frequently Asked

What does Issa mean?

Issa means God saves, as the Arabic form of Jesus (Yeshua). It is a revered name in the Quran and in West African naming traditions.

How do you pronounce Issa?

Issa is pronounced EE-suh (/ˈiː.sə/), with two syllables.

Is Issa a girl's name?

Issa is used for both boys and girls; as a feminine name it has grown in popularity through actress Issa Rae.

How popular is the name Issa?

Issa gained US visibility through Issa Rae's career and is used across Muslim and West African communities.