The name Aisha carries a rich history and a gentle meaning, making it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name with both substance and beauty. This article delves into the popularity of Aisha, explores its variations, and suggests similar names that might resonate with those drawn to its unique charm.
The Meaning and Origin of Aisha
Aisha, primarily a feminine name, boasts Arabic origins. Its core meaning revolves around the concept of "alive and well" or "living." This positive connotation imbues the name with a sense of vitality and well-being, making it a hopeful and optimistic choice.
Beyond its literal meaning, Aisha holds significant historical importance in the Islamic faith. Aisha bint Abi Bakr was one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, revered for her intelligence, scholarship, and contributions to Islamic tradition. This association lends the name a sense of grace, wisdom, and historical depth.
Aisha Name Popularity
How popular is the name Aisha? Let’s explore its historical trajectory in the United States based on Social Security Administration (SSA) data.
Prior to the 1960s, Aisha was a relatively uncommon name in the United States. The SSA data reveals that it wasn’t consistently ranked among the most popular names during the first half of the 20th century. In fact, the data tables provided show ‘—’ and ‘0’ values for births and rankings for each year from 1910 until 1962.
The name began to gain traction in the latter half of the 20th century. A turning point appeared in 1977 when the name broke into the top 200, ranking at 175 with 1,523 births, representing 0.113% of female births that year. This was a significant leap, indicating a growing awareness and appreciation for the name.
The late 1970s and 1980s witnessed fluctuating popularity, with the name hovering in the top 300-600. From the 1990s through the early 2000s, Aisha maintained a steady presence, showing consistent usage. In recent years, while its ranking has seen some ups and downs, it remains a reasonably popular choice, demonstrating its enduring appeal. The most recent data from 2023, for example, shows a rank of 389 with 761 births, accounting for 0.0588% of female births.
Aisha Name Popularity Table
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1962 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1963 | 2,118 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1964 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1965 | 1,908 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1966 | 1,956 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1967 | 1,930 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1968 | 1,496 | 21 | 0.0014% |
| 1969 | 1,695 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1970 | 1,514 | 27 | 0.0017% |
| 1971 | 1,433 | 31 | 0.0021% |
| 1972 | 897 | 89 | 0.0065% |
| 1973 | 658 | 178 | 0.0137% |
| 1974 | 612 | 205 | 0.0158% |
| 1975 | 472 | 348 | 0.0271% |
| 1976 | 377 | 499 | 0.0387% |
| 1977 | 175 | 1,523 | 0.113% |
| 1978 | 285 | 791 | 0.0588% |
| 1979 | 349 | 631 | 0.0448% |
| 1980 | 375 | 581 | 0.0397% |
| 1981 | 394 | 541 | 0.0368% |
| 1982 | 447 | 436 | 0.0292% |
| 1983 | 487 | 359 | 0.0243% |
| 1984 | 518 | 331 | 0.0223% |
| 1985 | 564 | 299 | 0.0197% |
| 1986 | 538 | 333 | 0.0221% |
| 1987 | 529 | 340 | 0.0223% |
| 1988 | 571 | 314 | 0.0201% |
| 1989 | 573 | 343 | 0.0213% |
| 1990 | 563 | 368 | 0.0222% |
| 1991 | 472 | 479 | 0.0294% |
| 1992 | 572 | 365 | 0.0229% |
| 1993 | 590 | 355 | 0.0228% |
| 1994 | 639 | 297 | 0.0194% |
| 1995 | 548 | 387 | 0.0257% |
| 1996 | 565 | 365 | 0.0244% |
| 1997 | 631 | 306 | 0.0207% |
| 1998 | 605 | 356 | 0.0238% |
| 1999 | 693 | 283 | 0.0189% |
| 2000 | 704 | 286 | 0.0187% |
| 2001 | 684 | 320 | 0.0212% |
| 2002 | 636 | 357 | 0.0238% |
| 2003 | 632 | 378 | 0.0248% |
| 2004 | 654 | 372 | 0.0244% |
| 2005 | 731 | 320 | 0.0209% |
| 2006 | 691 | 361 | 0.0231% |
| 2007 | 707 | 366 | 0.0232% |
| 2008 | 745 | 340 | 0.022% |
| 2009 | 729 | 341 | 0.0228% |
| 2010 | 684 | 365 | 0.0253% |
| 2011 | 638 | 394 | 0.0277% |
| 2012 | 577 | 457 | 0.0321% |
| 2013 | 559 | 467 | 0.0328% |
| 2014 | 552 | 502 | 0.0345% |
| 2015 | 482 | 608 | 0.0418% |
| 2016 | 494 | 575 | 0.0399% |
| 2017 | 525 | 527 | 0.0378% |
| 2018 | 506 | 548 | 0.0399% |
| 2019 | 502 | 533 | 0.0394% |
| 2020 | 581 | 451 | 0.0354% |
| 2021 | 570 | 455 | 0.0372% |
| 2022 | 470 | 640 | 0.0485% |
| 2023 | 389 | 761 | 0.0588% |
Variations and Similar Names
The versatility of Aisha is reflected in its numerous variations, each carrying a slightly different nuance or cultural adaptation. Some of these include:
- Aayshah
- Aeesha
- Aishah
- Ayesha
- Aysha
- Iesha
- Maisha
- Myesha
If the sound or feel of Aisha appeals to you, here are some similar names to consider:
- Fatima: Another prominent name in Islamic history, meaning "one who abstains."
- Keisha: Of modern origin, thought to be related to the cassia tree.
- Khadija: Meaning "early baby" in Arabic.
- Tanisha: Of Indian (Sanskrit) origin, meaning "ambition".
Conclusion
Aisha is a name that resonates with history, meaning, and beauty. Its Arabic roots, association with a revered figure in Islam, and positive connotation of "alive and well" contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether you choose Aisha itself or one of its many variations, this name is sure to bestow a sense of grace and vitality upon your child.