Isham is a unique and distinctive male given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the name Ismail, which means "he who hears or obeys Allah" in Arabic. Isham is often associated with the Islamic prophet Ishmael, who was the son of Abraham.
The name Isham has been used throughout history by notable individuals, including Isham Kabbani, a Sufi scholar and mystic from Syria, and Ishamuddin Ahmed, a Bangladeshi politician and lawyer. Despite its rich historical background, however, Isham remains relatively rare today, making it a compelling choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their son.
In terms of popularity, Isham is not currently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States or other English-speaking countries. This contributes to its unique and exotic appeal, as it stands out from more common names like James or Alexander.
Overall, Isham is a name with a rich history and significant meaning that sets it apart from many other boy's names today. Its Arabic origins give it a distinct cultural flavor, while its association with an important religious figure lends it a sense of gravity and purpose. For parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their son, Isham could be an excellent choice.
The name Isham has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1880 and 2022, there have been a total of 615 babies named Isham at birth.
The name's peak in popularity occurred in 1922 with 27 births that year, followed by 19 peaks over the next two decades, including 19 births each in both 1918 and 1921. However, after the 1930s, its usage declined significantly.
Since then, there have been sporadic years where more than five babies were named Isham, such as 6 births in 1947, 11 births in 1948, 10 births in 1954, and most recently, 6 births in 2003, 5 births in 2007, and again 6 births in 2022. These fluctuations suggest that while Isham is not a common name today, it still manages to appear occasionally on birth certificates across the nation.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can shift over time, with some names like Isham experiencing periods of significant usage followed by many years of rarity. This trend can provide valuable insights into societal trends and cultural preferences throughout history.