Ayesha Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: eye-EE-shah /aɪˈiːʃə/
Origin: Arabic; Urdu
Meaning: Arabic: alive; Urdu: prosperous
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ayesha has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the word "عائشة" (A'isha), which means "alive" or "living." The name is most famously associated with Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who is a significant figure in Islamic history. Her life and contributions to early Islamic society have made the name particularly revered among Muslims.
The name entered English usage through transliterations from Arabic, particularly during the periods of increased cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Europe, notably during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Historically, Aisha is often cited in Islamic texts, including the Hadith literature, where her narrations of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad are well-documented.
This has contributed to the name's enduring significance in Islamic culture. The 19th century saw the name being adopted in various forms across different cultures, often reflecting the influence of colonialism and the spread of Islamic teachings.
Ayesha, as a variant, has appeared in English literature and texts, further solidifying its presence in the Western lexicon. Culturally, Ayesha is associated with qualities of vitality and strength, reflecting its literal meaning.
The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often adapted to fit local linguistic contexts. In South Asia, for instance, Ayesha is a common name among Muslims and is celebrated for its historical and religious connotations.
The name's resonance is enhanced by its connection to a prominent female figure in Islamic history, symbolizing wisdom and leadership. This cultural significance has allowed Ayesha to maintain its relevance across centuries, making it a name that carries both historical weight and cultural richness.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ayesha was first seen in the United States in 1950. Ayesha has ranked as high as #1246 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Ayesha has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Ayesha (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 39 | |
| TX | 14 | |
| CA | 12 | |
| IL | 11 | |
| MD | 10 | |
| NJ | 10 | |
| OH | 8 | |
| VA | 8 | |
| FL | 7 | |
| GA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1962 | 8 |
| 1963 | 5 |
| 1964 | 6 |
| 1965 | 17 |
| 1966 | 19 |
| 1967 | 27 |
| 1968 | 15 |
| 1969 | 29 |
| 1970 | 56 |
| 1971 | 62 |
| 1972 | 35 |
| 1973 | 72 |
| 1974 | 65 |
| 1975 | 72 |
| 1976 | 77 |
| 1977 | 125 |
| 1978 | 135 |
| 1979 | 147 |
| 1980 | 146 |
| 1981 | 138 |
| 1982 | 148 |
| 1983 | 134 |
| 1984 | 120 |
| 1985 | 121 |
| 1986 | 96 |
| 1987 | 102 |
| 1988 | 102 |
| 1989 | 107 |
| 1990 | 110 |
| 1991 | 141 |
| 1992 | 118 |
| 1993 | 109 |
| 1994 | 112 |
| 1995 | 109 |
| 1996 | 90 |
| 1997 | 111 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 88 |
| 2000 | 113 |
| 2001 | 99 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 103 |
| 2004 | 92 |
| 2005 | 107 |
| 2006 | 102 |
| 2007 | 118 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 2009 | 107 |
| 2010 | 100 |
| 2011 | 123 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 123 |
| 2014 | 152 |
| 2015 | 151 |
| 2016 | 177 |
| 2017 | 161 |
| 2018 | 150 |
| 2019 | 149 |
| 2020 | 146 |
| 2021 | 142 |
| 2022 | 171 |
| 2023 | 161 |
| 2024 | 166 |