Origin and meaning of the name Isra

The name Isra has multiple origins and can have different meanings depending on the culture. 1. In Arabic, the name Isra (إِسرَى) means "she traveled by night." This refers to the Night Journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven as recounted in Hadith literature. 2. In Hebrew, the name Esra or Ishra (עִשְרָה) is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew word "eser" (עֶשֶר), which means "ten." It is also the name of the Biblical figure Ezra (Esdras), a Jewish scribe and teacher who played an important role in the restoration of Jerusalem after its return from Babylonian captivity. 3. In Swahili, the name Isra or Istra can mean "wanderer" or "traveler." It's essential to note that cultures may adapt names over time, and it is possible for a name with multiple origins to have different meanings in various linguistic contexts. It's always a good idea to consult historical records, cultural reference materials, and native speakers when researching the origin of a specific name.

Learn more about the origin of the name Isra

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Isra

The name Isra is derived from Arabic and Hebrew origins, signifying a "journey" or "travel". In Islamic tradition, it refers to the journey that Prophet Muhammad and his followers undertook during the Hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. In Hebrew, Isra can be interpreted as the female variant of the name Isaac, which also means "laughter" or "he will laugh". It is believed that both names are linked to the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah, where they laughed upon receiving news of the miraculous conception of their son Isaac. The usage of Isra as a given name has been popular among Arabic and Muslim communities, but it has also gained wider international recognition in recent years due to its meaningful and exotic connotations.

Character traits associated with the name Isra

The name Isra is often associated with individuals who possess a strong sense of resilience and determination. They are individuals who have a deep-rooted desire to learn, grow, and adapt to new situations. Isras tend to be highly intuitive, utilizing their keen understanding of people and situations to navigate complex environments effectively. Their empathetic nature allows them to connect deeply with others, fostering strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Isras are also known for their resourcefulness, using creativity and ingenuity to solve problems and overcome challenges. This combination of resilience, determination, intuition, empathy, resourcefulness, and adaptability makes an Isra a valuable asset in any setting, be it personal or professional.

Popularity of the name Isra

The name Isra is relatively uncommon in comparison to more frequently used names in the United States and Western Europe. However, it gains traction in countries like Israel and Muslim communities worldwide where it is rooted in history and tradition. In these regions, Isra can be found among both genders, reflecting a cultural significance that transcends gender norms. The name is believed to mean "she who fights" or "warrior woman," which may contribute to its popularity in modern contexts emphasizing female empowerment. Ultimately, the popularity of Isra varies significantly depending on cultural and regional factors.

Famous people with the name Isra

Isaac Asimov, born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov, was a Russian-born American writer and professor of biochemistry. Known for his works of science fiction and for his popular science books, Asimov's most famous series include the Foundation series, Robot series, and Empire series. He is considered one of the "Big Three" of 20th-century science fiction along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke.

Isra Hirsi, an American activist and writer, is a prominent figure in the climate justice movement. She is the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar and a co-founder of the Minnesota Youth Council and the Climate Justice Alliance MN. Hirsi has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine's 25 most influential teenagers and as a 2020 Forbes Under 30 Changemaker for her work advocating for climate justice.

Isra Azeem, born in Pakistan, is a professional tennis player who represents the United States. She turned pro in 2016 and has won three ITF singles titles as of 2021. She reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 358 on 14 March 2022.

These individuals, Isra Hirsi, Isaac Asimov, and Isra Azeem, are notable figures under the name 'Isra' in different fields: activism, literature, and sports, respectively. Each of them has made significant contributions in their respective areas.

Variations of the name Isra

The name Isra has multiple variations and spellings across different languages and cultures. Some variations include Aysha (Arabic), Aysha (Hebrew), Aisha (Swahili), Aishah (Urdu), Eisha (Hebrew), Isa (Scandinavian, short form of Elisabet or Isabella), and Iza (Slavic languages). In Turkish and Azerbaijani cultures, the name can be spelled as Ayşe or İsa. The name Isra itself is not commonly used in English, but it is sometimes seen as a variant of the Arabic name Aisha, meaning "alive" or "living." These variations reflect the global spread and adaptability of the name, which remains significant in various cultures and languages.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "isra"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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