The name Isai is of Hebrew origin and means "salvation." It is a variation of the name Isaiah, which appears in the Old Testament of the Bible as the name of a prophet who lived during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah.
Isai was a common name among the Jews in biblical times, but it fell out of fashion after the period of the Second Temple. However, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among Jewish families looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
In addition to its biblical origins, Isai is also associated with the Spanish poet and playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca, who wrote an auto sacramental (a type of religious play) called "El Isaí," which is based on the story of King David's ancestor Isai. This work helped to popularize the name in Spain and throughout Latin America.
Today, Isai is still a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its biblical significance and unique sound. It is often spelled with either an "s" or a "z" after the first syllable (as in "Isai" or "Izai"), depending on regional preferences and cultural traditions.
"From 1966 to 2023, the name Isai experienced significant growth in popularity, with a consistent increase in births each year until peaking at 333 in 2007. Since then, there has been a steady decline, reaching 160 births in 2022 and 198 in 2023."