Isaiah Name Meaning

Isaiah is frequently used as a boy name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Isaiah.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Isaiah is a strong, distinctive name that comes from the Hebrew phrase "Yahweh is salvation" or "God saves." Isaiah is the name of an Old Testament prophet known for his truth-telling, strength, and persistence. The prophet Isaiah is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

• Origin: The biblical name Yeshayahu, or Yesha’yah, is derived from the Hebrew words yesha ("salvation") and yah (an abbreviation of Yahweh). Yesha’yah was translated to Greek as Ἡσαΐας (Esaias) and in Latin is spelled Isaias.

• Gender: Isaiah is a name traditionally given to boys.

• Pronunciation: eye-ZAY-uh

Editor's Note

Although baby names are often separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you suits your new baby the best.

How Popular Is the Name Isaiah?

Although it has been used for thousands of years, the name Isaiah has become more popular in the US in recent decades. It was among the top 100 boy names in America for the first time in 1996 and ranked number 71 that year.

It continued to climb in popularity, breaking into the top 50 in the year 2000, and reaching its peak at number 39 in 2006. In 2023, Isaiah was the 56th most common name for boys in the United States, according to Social Security Administration statistics.

Name Variations

Although Isaiah is the most traditional and most common spelling, this biblical name has been spelled in a variety of ways, including:

• Esaiah

• Essaiah

• Isaia

• Isaya

• Isayah

• Isia

• Isiah

• Issia

• Issiah

• Izaiah

• Izaya

• Izayah

• Iziah

Common Nicknames for Isaiah

There are lots of fun nicknames for Isaiah, including:

• Aye

• Iz

• Izzy

• Zay

• Zah

• Zaya

Similar Names

Isaiah looks a bit like Isaac, another biblical name starting with Isa-. There is not an exact feminine equivalent, but if you’re looking for a traditionally feminine name starting with Isa-, your options include Isabel, Isabella, Isadora, and Isa.

Other names starting with "I" include:

• Ignatius

• Ilan

• Immanuel

• Ira

• Irving

• Irwin

• Isadore

• Ivan

Other names of Old Testament prophets:

• Amos

• Elijah

• Ezekiel

• Jeremiah

• Joel

• Jonah

• Joshua

• Micah

• Miriam

• Moses

• Samuel

Suggested Sibling Names

• Abigail

• Daniel

• Emma

• Hannah

• Jacob

• Matthew

• Michael

• Sophia

Famous People Named Isaiah

From actors to athletes, there are many notable people named Isaiah. Here’s a list of famous people with the name:

• Isaiah Berlin, Latvian-born British, social and political theorist

• Isaiah Buggs, American football player who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs

• Isaiah Dorman, interpreter for the US Army, the only Black soldier killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn

• Isaiah Firebrace, Australian singer

• Isaiah Jackson, African American music conductor and founder of the Juilliard String Ensemble

• Isaiah Mack, American football player who plays for the Miami Dolphins

• Isaiah McKenzie, American football player who plays for the New York Giants

• Isaiah Mustafa, American actor

• Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, American Grammy Award-winning keyboardist

• Isaiah Prince, American football player who plays for the Atlanta Falcons

• Isaiah Rashad, American rapper and co-founder of the hip-hop collective, The House

• Isaiah Rider, retired American basketball player who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets

• Isaiah Rogers, American architect

• Isaiah Shembe, South African evangelist and faith healer

• Isaiah Washington, American actor known for his role on the TV series Grey’s Anatomy

More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:

• Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names

• 45 Gender-Neutral Baby Names

• 100 Latin Baby Names and Meanings

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Read the original article on Parents.