The baby name Isaac combines all the gravity of a Biblical classic with an undeniable cool factor.
Thanks to Corinne for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME ISAAC MEAN?
This name comes from the Hebrew phrase tzahaq, meaning “he laughs.” Or possibly rejoices.
Either way, it feels like a positive choice for a child, a brother for similarly upbeat names like Felix and Asher.
ISAAC IN SCRIPTURE
But there’s more to the laughter than just plain happiness.
In the Book of Genesis, both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the idea of their son’s birth. Abraham was nearly one hundred; Sarah counted as a senior citizen, too. And yet the prophecy came to pass.
Their story continues. At one point, Abraham thought he would be forced to sacrifice his only son. Not so. Instead, Abraham became, as his name implies, the father of multitudes.
The father and son’s story is cited in the New Testament and the Quran. No surprise, then, that versions of this name are found over the centuries in many different languages and cultures.
A handful of saints answer to the name, from the ancient world into more recent times.
ACCOMPLISHED ISAACS
In English, the baby name Isaac returned to widespread use during the Reformation, one of the many Old Testament names embraced by Protestant parents.
Notables by the name appear from the sixteenth century onward, including:
- Science’s Isaac Newton, born in 1643.
- Plenty of politicians, including two Isaac Smiths elected to the US House of Representatives in the early 1800s, one from New Jersey, one from Pennsylvania.
- 19th century inventor, Singer, he of sewing machine fame.
- 20th century sci fi legend Asimov.
- Legendary violinist Stern, as well as Itzhak Perlman, a modern Hebrew form.
- Two Israeli prime ministers answered to Yitzhak, Shamir and Rabin.
The list goes on and on.
CONTEMPORARY ISAACS
Along the way, some of the famous figures lent the name an edge. There’s designer Mizrahi, as well as the frontman of the Fray and the lead singer of Modest Mouse.
But it’s another figure that shapes the way we hear this name: Isaac Hayes.
The current generation of parents might know him best as the voice of Chef on South Park. But long before the Comedy Central cartoon debuted, Hayes was racking up awards – an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and more than one Grammy. He took home the trophies for the soundtrack to 1971’s Shaft.
And yet that’s not even his best-known work. In the 1960s, Hayes penned hits for Sam & Dave. Think “Hold On, I’m Comin'” and “Soul Man.”
The signer-songwriter-actor’s surname is catching on in recent years. And his first name? Undeniably icy-cold cool.
More recently, actor Isaac Hempstead-Wright commanded the spotlight as Bran in Game of Thrones. And Star Wars’ Poe was played by Oscar Isaac – born Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada – also makes it instantly familiar to parents.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME ISAAC?
With all this history, it comes as no surprise that Isaac has never left the US Top 400.
In fact, it’s been steadily used over the years, hitting a low in the 1960s, but rebounding starting in the 1970s.
But in recent years, Isaac has transformed from quiet classic to style star.
Regardless of why, we know that the name currently stands at #42 in the US as of 2023, down a bit from a peak of #28 in 2013, but still powerfully popular.
While no nickname is required, the baby name Isaac shortens to Zac and Ike.
UPBEAT, TRADITIONAL, AND COOL
Maybe Hayes gets credit. Maybe it’s the authentic, but unconventional double-a spelling. Or perhaps it’s simply the appeal of name every bit as traditional as John, but not nearly as familiar.
If you’re after an enduring Biblical boy name that feels fresh and modern, the baby name Isaac might belong on your list.
What do you think of the baby name Isaac?
Originally published on August 13, 2009, this post was revised substantially and re-posted on August 8, 2018; August 10, 2021; and November 18, 2024.
That’s also the nickname we have come to call my son (13 months).
The one I know goes by Izy (eye-zee).
Another famous namesake is Isaac Watts.
LOVE the name, but I’m biased — we named our son Isaac, born in 2008! Hehe.
You bring up great points to consider when naming your child. Two you may think of adding to your repertoire is “culture/ethnicity,” and/or “gender”. Though Isaac is a popular in the U.S., we thought it would still be a fairly unique name choice for our son as he is Vietnamese-and-Korean American. How many kids do you know who are named Isaac and are Asian?? 😉
In the early stages of my pregnancy I was considering the name Jordan but was told it was a “girl’s name” (?). The only Jordans I’ve known are boys, but apparently it’s now being used left and right as a modern-day girl’s name! ;/ Like you mentioned, name popularity (and usage, too!) changes over time.
My NofD suggestion is my first name choice (and still is my fave): DAMIAN. Still have my heart set on naming my son that one day, too…
Yay Isaac! Isaac is fully a middle name for me: it’s too Hebrew to go with the rest of my very-Celtic list.