Essa
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Essa
Essa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it's a variation of Isa (the Arabic form of Jesus) and means 'God is salvation.' In Irish contexts, Essa derives from the Gaelic 'os' meaning 'deer' or possibly as a diminutive of Esther. In some South Asian cultures, particularly in Pakistan and India, Essa appears as both a feminine and masculine name. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and melodic quality with soft consonants give it an appealing, gentle sound while maintaining a unique character. Essa has seen modest usage in recent decades without becoming mainstream, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with multicultural resonance.
Essa for boys#2581 US
Essa is a multicultural masculine name with various origins and meanings across different traditions. In Arabic contexts, it is the form of Jesus (Isa) used in the Quran, carrying profound religious significance. In African traditions, particularly West African cultures, Essa can mean 'sixth-born child' in some communities. The name also appears in Nordic countries as a variant of Esau or as a short form of names containing 'Es-'. With its brevity and melodic quality, Essa has gained popularity in diverse communities for its cross-cultural appeal and easy pronunciation. The name's simplicity, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it increasingly popular among parents seeking names that work well internationally.
Pronounced ES-uh.
As of October 2026, Essa ranked #9656 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #962 in 1885.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | #4,590 | 21 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | #3,387 | 33 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | #3,247 | 35 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | #2,726 | 45 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | #3,261 | 35 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | #2,468 | 54 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | #3,293 | 34 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | #3,319 | 35 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | #2,446 | 57 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | #2,706 | 48 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | #3,169 | 38 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | #2,581 | 51 |
World rankings
Essa for boys
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