Isla is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the word "isla," which means "island" in English. It is believed to have been first used as a given name in the late 19th or early 20th century, though its use has become more popular in recent years.
The name Isla gained prominence in the United States and other English-speaking countries following the release of the film "Moana" in 2016. In the movie, the main character's island home is called Motunui, which means "Island of the Ancestors." The name Isla has since become associated with the film and its themes of exploration, adventure, and self-discovery.
However, Isla's meaning as an island goes beyond the realm of mythology or cinema. Throughout history, islands have been places of refuge, discovery, and inspiration for countless individuals. They have served as havens for those seeking escape from conflict or persecution, as well as centers of cultural exchange and learning. Thus, the name Isla can evoke a sense of freedom, independence, and uniqueness.
Despite its recent popularity, Isla remains a relatively uncommon name, making it stand out among other choices. It is a short, simple, yet meaningful name that can suit a wide range of personalities and backgrounds. Whether one is drawn to Isla for its connection to the movie "Moana" or its broader symbolism as an island, this name offers a unique and memorable option for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with deep roots in history and culture.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the usage of the name Isla in the United States from 1886 to 2023.
From 1886 to 1976, the number of births with the name Isla fluctuated between 5 and 14 per year, indicating that it was not a particularly popular name during this period. However, starting in 1978, there was an increase in the usage of the name Isla, with 10 births recorded that year.
The trend continued to rise over the next few decades. In 1997, there were 23 births with the name Isla, and by 2000, this number had doubled to 37 births. This upward trend accelerated in the early 2000s, with a significant jump in usage from 54 births in 2005 to 92 births in 2006.
The popularity of the name Isla surged even further in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In 2008, there were 493 births with the name Isla, and this number more than doubled to 945 births in 2009. By 2016, over 2500 babies were named Isla each year.
The popularity of the name Isla has continued to rise in recent years. In 2021, there were 5539 births with the name Isla, and this number increased to 5357 births in 2022 and a record-breaking 5357 births in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Isla was not widely used in the United States during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, it has become increasingly popular since the late 1970s. The name reached peak popularity in recent years, with over 5000 births recorded each year from 2021 to 2023.