UK boy's name
Issam
A masculine name of Arabic origin meaning "protector" or "safeguard".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Issam is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Issam popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3254, with 6 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2017, with 10 births.
This profile covers 86 England and Wales registrations across 17 recorded years from 2000 to 2024. 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.
The latest count is about 60% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 85 living people in the UK are called Issam. 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 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Issam ranked #3254 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 6 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2017, when 10 boys were registered as Issam.
- • About 85 living people in the UK are estimated to have Issam as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3254
2024
Births in 2024
6
Latest year
Peak year
2017
10 births
Estimated living
85
2026
Meaning
What does Issam mean?
The name Issam originates from the Arabic language and culture, with its roots tracing back to the Middle East and North Africa regions. It is derived from the Arabic word "issam," which means "safety" or "protection." This name holds deep cultural and religious significance in the Islamic tradition.
In ancient times, the name Issam was often bestowed upon newborns as a symbol of hope, with parents praying for their child's well-being and safety under the divine protection of Allah. The name's earliest recorded usage can be found in historical texts and manuscripts dating back to the 7th century, during the early days of Islamic civilization.
One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Issam was Issam ibn Malik al-Ghassani, a renowned Arab poet who lived in the 7th century CE. His poetic works, filled with wisdom and profound insights, were widely celebrated and have been preserved throughout the centuries.
Another notable figure in history was Issam al-Din al-Isfahani, a prominent Islamic scholar and jurist who lived during the 12th century CE. His contributions to the field of Islamic jurisprudence and his interpretations of religious texts were highly regarded in his time and continue to be studied by scholars today.
In the realm of literature, Issam Shammari was a celebrated Iraqi poet of the 20th century, known for his powerful and evocative verses that captured the essence of Arab culture and identity. His works have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of the Middle East.
Issam El-Sarraj, a Palestinian psychologist and human rights activist, dedicated his life to promoting mental health and advocating for the rights of Palestinians. His pioneering work in the field of trauma counseling and his tireless efforts for peace and justice have earned him widespread recognition and respect.
Issam Fares, a Lebanese businessman and philanthropist, made significant contributions to the fields of education and cultural preservation. His philanthropic initiatives have supported numerous educational institutions and cultural organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many across the Middle East region.
These individuals, along with countless others throughout history, have carried the name Issam with pride and honor, leaving their mark on various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human culture and achievements.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Issam over time
The chart below shows babies named Issam registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2000 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Issam, the clearest high point is 2017. The latest England and Wales figure is 6 births in 2024, compared with 10 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Issam by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Issam 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4022 | 9 | 2 |
| 2010s | #3208 | 53 | 9 |
| 2000s | #3210 | 24 | 6 |
Related
Names similar to Issam
- Isaac 49,129
- Ibrahim 14,115
- Ismail 4,679
- Isaiah 4,629
- Idris 3,810
- Ivan 3,146
- Isa 2,943
- Ian 2,805
- Ilyas 2,552
- Ieuan 2,515
- Ibraheem 2,384
- Ioan 2,295
FAQ
Issam: questions and answers
How popular is the name Issam in the UK right now?
In 2024, Issam was ranked #3254 for boys in England and Wales, with 6 births registered.
When was Issam most popular?
The peak year on record was 2017, with 10 babies registered as Issam in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Issam?
A masculine name of Arabic origin meaning "protector" or "safeguard".
How many people are called Issam in the UK?
A total of 86 babies have been registered as Issam across the 17 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.