Essa is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "issa," which means "strong-willed" or "powerful." It is often associated with the Islamic prophet Eesa (Jesus), although it is not directly related to his name. The name Essa has been used historically among Muslims and Christians alike, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.
The name Essa gained popularity in the West during the late 20th century, likely due to the growing trend of using unique and multicultural names. Today, it is recognized as a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for boys. Despite its unisex nature, Essa does not have a specific feminine form or counterpart.
In terms of its history, Essa has been used throughout the centuries, with notable figures bearing this name including Essa Ahmad (a Jordanian footballer) and Essa Al-Sayed (an Egyptian actor). However, it is important to note that these individuals are known primarily for their professions rather than their names.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Essa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
From 1885 to 1947, there were only 6 years with more than one birth recorded for the name Essa, and those years saw between 5 to 7 births each. However, starting from the year 2000, we see a steady rise in the number of births with the name Essa.
In 2012, there were 10 births recorded for the name Essa, marking a significant jump from previous years. This trend continued, with the highest number of births recorded in 2023 at 15.
Over the past decade (2012-2023), there has been an average of about 11 births per year with the name Essa, demonstrating that this name is becoming increasingly popular among parents in the United States.