Surname Ishak - Meaning and Origin

Ishak: What does the surname Ishak mean?

The last name Ishak is found in a number of countries including Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. It is believed to be of Arabic origin, meaning “good, gracious” and “well-minded”. It can also mean “altruistic” or “benevolent”.

In Indonesia, Ishak is commonly found amongst the Malay people. In India, the last name represents those of Islamic descent as well as some Hindus derived from the same as the Arabic root name.

The origin story of this last name varies depending on which culture it is found in. Today, the last name is used by people of various religions and backgrounds, as it is a popular and common name in various parts of the world.

The last name Ishak is associated with a number of different meanings. Generally, it is associated with the qualities of traits of being caring, generous and compassionate. These qualities are often passed down generations, making Ishak an umbrella name for a family with these characteristics.

The last name Ishak offers us a glimpse into the values of the people who bear this name, demonstrating a sense of camaraderie, good intentions, and empathy.

Ishak: Where does the name Ishak come from?

The last name Ishak is most commonly found in countries in the Middle East and Asia today. It is primarily found in countries with substantial Muslim populations, such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, and India. The name is also common in certain African countries, including Morocco, Libya, Algeria, and Mauritania.

In Malaysia, one of the countries in Southeast Asia, the name Ishak is a popular traditional Malay name and is even listed among the top 10 surnames in the country. In Indonesia, the surname is mostly used by ethnic Malays and is considered to be a Javanese Islamic name. While the origin of the name is debated, it is generally believed to have roots derived from Arabic language.

In Europe, the name Ishak has been recorded in countries like Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway and is thought to have been brought to the region by Muslim immigrants. As a result, the use of the surname is mostly found among Muslim communities living in these countries.

In the United States, it is fairly uncommon, with just 1,543 individuals having the surname Ishak in the country according to the 2019 United States Census. However, the name is growing in popularity in the United States, as the number of Muslim immigrants entering the country continues to increase.

Variations of the surname Ishak

Ishak is a variant of Isaac and is of Hebrew origin, meaning “laughter”. There are some alternative spellings of the surname, including Isak, Isaak, Isac, and Isack. Additionally, there are some different surnames that are of the same origin. These include Isakov, Izaka, Ishmael, Yitzhok, Izakovic, and Isaacs.

Ishak or Isaac is especially popular among the Muslim community, and slight variations of the word change the meaning. For instance, 'ishäq is the Arabic Quranic name for Isaac, which means “laughter” as opposed to 'ishk, Arabic for “ moonset/darker”; 'isḥaq (Hebrew for Laughter) and 'ishai (Gaelic for “gift from God”). By changing the spelling of the surname, the meaning of the root words is altered, while still keeping the same origin.

There are other modern-day variants of the surname. In Africa, Isacc is often used as a name for boys, and in Central America, Isai is a variation of the original spelling. In some cases, the surname is even extended to include a middle name; as in North African, Arabic, and Jewish cultures, where the middle name may be the middle name of the Ishmael of Isaac.

The surname Ishak is widely used across the world, and many of its variations trace back to the original meaning of “laughter”. Some of its variations are more popular in certain geographical areas than others, while different spellings can lend to new meanings and interpretations of the original meaning.

Famous people with the name Ishak

• Naim Ishak: Malaysian actor, singer, and songwriter.
• Cubit Ishak: Indonesian singer, songwriter, and actor.
• Umi Kalthum Ishak: Malaysian TV personality, actress, and singer.
• Yang Amat Mulia Raja Datin Paduka Seri Hajah Roanan Ishak: Malaysian royalty born in 1952.
• Ku Ishak Putih: Malaysian actor and comedian.
• Redza Ishak: Malaysian musician, producer, and actor.
• Hajjah Rahmah binti Ishak: Malaysian TV and film actress.
• Zahirah Macwilson Ishak: Malaysian actress.
• Farihin Ishak: Malaysian actor and director.
• Nur','izzati Ishak: Malaysian actor and TV presenter.

Other surnames

Ishaq