Isaias

Isaias is the Latin form of the Biblical name Isaiah, which means "the Lord saves" — in the Bible, Isaiah is one of the Old Testament's four major prophets. Some versions use Isaias rather than Isaiah.

Despite the fact that this is an ancient name, it's still popular today. Isaiah has consistently been in the U.S. Social Security Administration's top 1000 baby names for well over a century and is as well-loved today as it's ever been, currently in the top 60. The Isaias version is lesser-used; it has only been in the top 1000 since 1980, but has enjoyed a mostly-steady rise since then, going from its original position at #999 to its current position in the 400s. It's gaining more popularity quickly, though, as more widely used names are being replaced by their alternate versions (think of Elijah and Elias). At last count, Isaias had jumped up the chart 36 spots from last year's position, and nearly 600 baby boys were given the name Isaias last year.

The name can be pronounced either 'eye-ZAY-us' or 'EE-zay-us', and the nickname Isai is a cute option.

Notable people named Isaias throughout history include Argentine chess player Isaias Pleci, King Isaias I of Spain, and Spanish footballer Isaias Alcaraz.

Isaias in quotes:

“Spending one hour with Isaias is far more worthwhile, rewarding and enlightening than reading ten books.” — Meles Zenawi