Issa
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Issa is the Arabic form of Jesus, derived ultimately from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning God is salvation or God saves. In Islam, Issa (also spelt Isa) is one of the most revered prophets, mentioned 25 times in the Quran. He is described as the Messiah, a miracle worker, and a prophet born of the Virgin Mary. While Muslims do not regard him as divine, they hold him in the highest esteem as a holy messenger.
At a glance
The Arabic form of Jesus, meaning God is salvation. Issa is a deeply revered prophetic name in Islam, mentioned 25 times in the Quran and held in the highest spiritual regard.
Etymology & History
The name traces back through the Arabic Isa to the Aramaic Yeshu and Hebrew Yeshua, meaning God saves or God is salvation. It entered Arabic through early Syriac Christian and Jewish communities in Arabia. The Quran uses the form Isa consistently, while the spelling Issa is common in West Africa and among Francophone Muslim communities. The name is thus a bridge between Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
Cultural Significance
Issa carries immense religious significance as the name of Jesus in the Islamic tradition. For Muslim families, naming a son Issa is an act of deep reverence for one of God's most honoured messengers. The Quran speaks of Issa performing miracles, being born of a virgin, and ascending to God. In West Africa, Issa is also a common given name independent of its strictly religious context, used widely in countries such as Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad.
Famous people named Issa
Prophet Isa
The Islamic name for Jesus of Nazareth, revered as a prophet and the Messiah in Islam. He is mentioned 25 times in the Quran and is the subject of Surah Maryam and Surah Al-Imran.
Issa Hayatou
Cameroonian football administrator who served as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for nearly three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Issa
Ayoub
“Returning to God”
Ayoub is the Arabic form of Job, a name from the Hebrew Iyov, which is interpreted as returning to God or the persecuted one. In Islamic tradition, Ayoub is a prophet celebrated above all for his extraordinary patience in the face of severe trials. His story is a powerful parable of steadfast faith, and he is described in both the Quran and the Bible as a righteous man tested by immense suffering who ultimately emerged with divine reward.
Ibrahim
“Father of many”
Ibrahim is the Arabic form of Abraham, meaning 'father of many' or 'father of nations,' honouring the revered patriarch shared across Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Idris
“Prophet of study and truth”
Idris in the Norse tradition is understood to combine elements meaning 'eager' or 'active' with a sense of noble rulership, producing a name that speaks to dynamic, purposeful leadership. It also appears in Welsh mythology in reference to a giant astronomer-king, and in Arabic tradition as a prophet, giving the name a rare cross-cultural breadth that amplifies its power. In Norse contexts it evokes the fiery energy of a young warrior chief coming into his strength.
Moussa
“Drawn from water”
Moussa is the Arabic form of Moses, a name believed to derive from the Egyptian for drawn from water, referring to the biblical story of the infant placed in a basket on the Nile. In Islamic tradition, Musa (Moussa) is among the most honoured of all prophets and is mentioned more times in the Quran than any other prophet. The name carries deep spiritual weight across Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions.
Younis
“Dove”
Younis is the Arabic form of Jonah, a name rooted in the Hebrew word yonah, meaning dove. In Islamic tradition, Younis (also spelt Yunus) is a prophet who was swallowed by a large fish after leaving his people without permission. His story is one of repentance, patience, and divine mercy. The 10th chapter of the Quran is named Surah Yunus in his honour, cementing his place among the most revered prophets in Islam.
Yusuf
“God increases”
Yusuf is an Arabic name meaning 'God increases' or 'God will add,' reflecting gratitude for a child's arrival and faith that blessings will multiply through the family.
Zakaria
“God remembers”
Zakaria is the Arabic form of Zechariah, a name meaning God remembers or God has remembered. In Islamic tradition, Zakaria is a prophet who was entrusted with the care of Maryam (the Virgin Mary) in the temple and who, despite his old age, was blessed by God with a son, Yahya (John the Baptist). His story is one of devout prayer, patient faith, and miraculous reward. He is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Maryam and Surah Al-Imran.
Where you'll find Issa
Issa shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.