The first name Issa

In 2025, 59 boys were named Issa, making it the 627th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2023, with 71 births (#539).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Issa with other names.

In 2025, 98 boys born in the United States were named Issa, the 1,682nd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2024, when 115 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Issa Rae
  American actress, writer and producer, born 1985
• Issa Kaboré
  Burkinabè association football player, born 2001
• Issa Hayatou
  Cameroonian basketball player and football executive, 1946–2024
• Issa Serge Coelo
  Chadian film director, born 1967
• Issa Kallon
  Dutch professional footballer, born 1996
• Issa Adekunle
  Association football player, born 1997
• Issa Gouo
  Bukinabe footballer, born 1986
• Issa Traoré de Brahima
  Burkinabe filmmaker, born 1962
• Issa Doumbia
  French actor, born 1982
• Isa-Beg Isaković
  15th century Bosnian nobleman, Ottoman general and governor of Bosnia, 1401–1470

• Ali
• Rayan
• Sami
• Noor
• Iman
• Zia
• Salah
• Hany
• Shamil
• Najibullah
• Umayya

All 218 names of Arabic origin

What does the name Issa mean?

Issa means “jesus” in Arabic.

What is the origin of the name Issa?

From Arabic عيسى (“Jesus”).

How popular is the name Issa?

In 2025, 59 boys born in England and Wales were named Issa, ranking 627th. Its peak was 2023, with 71 births.

Is Issa a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 3,217 US babies named Issa since 1880, 29% were girls and 71% boys.

When was Issa most popular?

2024 in the United States, when 115 babies were named Issa, its highest rank at 1,535th.

Is Issa also a surname?

Yes. Issa is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.