UK girl's name
Isata
A feminine name of West African origin meaning "victorious".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2019. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Isata is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Isata popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2019 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4001, with 5 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2019, with 5 births.
This profile covers 24 England and Wales registrations across 7 recorded years from 2003 to 2019. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Isata is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 24 living people in the UK are called Isata. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2020 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Isata ranked #4001 for girls in England and Wales in 2019, with 5 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2019, when 5 girls were registered as Isata.
- • About 24 living people in the UK are estimated to have Isata as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4001
2019
Births in 2019
5
Latest year
Peak year
2019
5 births
Estimated living
24
2026
Meaning
What does Isata mean?
The name Isata originates from the Mande languages spoken in parts of West Africa, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. It is believed to have derived from the Mandinka word "Sata," which means "truth" or "honesty."
Isata is a name that gained popularity in the 14th century during the reign of the Mali Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires in West African history. The name was commonly given to girls born into noble families or those with strong ties to the empire's ruling class.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Isata can be found in the Tarikh al-Fattash, a 16th-century chronicle written by the Timbuktu scholar Ahmad Baba al-Massufi. The text mentions an Isata, the daughter of a prominent Malian ruler, who played a significant role in negotiating peace treaties between warring factions.
Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Isata. One of the most famous was Isata Ndiaye (1856-1932), a Senegalese entrepreneur and pioneer in the groundnut trade industry. Her successful business ventures helped pave the way for future generations of West African women in commerce.
Another remarkable Isata was Isata Thiam (1914-2003), a Guinean writer and activist who championed women's rights and education in her country. Her works, including the novel "La Parole aux Négresses" (The Word to Black Women), shed light on the struggles and resilience of African women.
In the realm of politics, Isata Fofana (1961-present) stands out as the first woman to serve as Vice President of Guinea, holding office from 2010 to 2018. Her advocacy for gender equality and her efforts to empower women in leadership roles have made her a role model for many.
Isata Kante (1972-present), a Malian singer and songwriter, has also brought the name to international recognition. Her soulful voice and poetic lyrics have earned her numerous awards and accolades, cementing her status as one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary West African music.
While the name Isata may have originated in a specific region, its meaning and significance have transcended borders, inspiring generations of women to embrace their truth, honesty, and resilience.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Isata over time
The chart below shows babies named Isata registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2003 to 2019. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Isata, the clearest high point is 2019. The latest England and Wales figure is 5 births in 2019, compared with 5 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Isata by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Isata was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #5397 | 17 | 5 |
| 2000s | #4334 | 7 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Isata
- Isabella 58,822
- Isla 51,854
- Isabelle 46,163
- Imogen 33,758
- Ivy 23,306
- Isabel 20,895
- Isobel 19,706
- Iris 10,353
- India 8,371
- Iqra 4,452
- Indie 3,873
- Iona 3,682
FAQ
Isata: questions and answers
How popular is the name Isata in the UK right now?
In 2019, Isata was ranked #4001 for girls in England and Wales, with 5 births registered.
When was Isata most popular?
The peak year on record was 2019, with 5 babies registered as Isata in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Isata?
A feminine name of West African origin meaning "victorious".
How many people are called Isata in the UK?
A total of 24 babies have been registered as Isata across the 7 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.