عيسى

Issa

boyArabic (Quranic)Muslim

Issa is a Muslim boy name of Arabic (Quranic) origin, meaning “Jesus, Prophet of God”.

MeaningJesus, Prophet of God
GenderBoy
OriginArabic (Quranic)
Written asعيسى
PronunciationEE-sah
TraditionMuslim
Used inWest Africa, Levant, North Africa

Meaning and origin of Issa

French-influenced spelling in West Africa and North Africa tends to double the 's', and that is how the Quranic ʿĪsā becomes Issa. Palestinians and Jordanians also favour this form, and there it is shared by Muslims and Arab Christians. Whatever the spelling, Muslims honour the bearer of this name, Jesus son of Mary, as the Messiah and one of God's greatest prophets. It is especially common in the Sahel.

Is Issa a Muslim name?

Wherever French-style spelling took hold, Muslims tend to write the Prophet Isa's name as Issa. The Quran speaks of one 'whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary' (Quran 3:45).

How popular is Issa?

Niger, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso use it widely, as do Palestine and Jordan.

Gifts with the name Issa

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Spellings and variants of Issa

Names similar to Issa

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Issa mean?

Issa means 'Jesus, Prophet of God'. It is of Arabic (Quranic) origin.

Is Issa a Muslim name?

Wherever French-style spelling took hold, Muslims tend to write the Prophet Isa's name as Issa. The Quran speaks of one 'whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary' (Quran 3:45).

How do you pronounce Issa?

Issa is pronounced EE-sah.

Is Issa a boy or girl name?

Issa is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.