Isadora

 

The 1968 film "Isadora" about Isadora Duncan, the dancer

Isadora, which can also be spelled Isidora, is a Greek and Latin name meaning "gift of Isis" and the feminine form of the boys name Isidore, from Isidoros. Isis was the main goddess in Egyptian myth, and although Isadora would be considered a pagan name by Christians at the time, it survived their repression. Isis currently ranks in the top 1000. The second syllable of the name is what means "gift," from the Proto Indo-European root word deh-. Other names, such as Theodore, Callidora and Pandora share this root.

There were a few St. Isidore's and a Saint Isidora, but the name Isidore was often shared/unisex. Saint Isidora was a nun in an Egyptian convent, and by records was one of the most humble saints. There are dozens of male and female historical namesakes, including religious leaders, philosophers, theologians, geographers, architechts, poets, composers, writers and dancers. Isadora Duncan was the late American dancer with a tragic story worth reading about if you're considering this name.

In 2011 Isadora ranked just outside the top 1000 with 141 girls given the name, the highest amount in record, and Isidora ranked much lower with only 13 girls given the name (25 in 2007 was the most recorded). It ranked on the top 1000 for a total of five years between 1880 and 1900, but fares much better in Chile as a top 10. Isadora may be rising in popularity as an Isabella alternative. The male names Isidoro and Isidore are not popular at all. In 2011 only 7 boys were named Isidoro and 7 named Isidore.

Izzy, Isa, Dora or Dory? Take your pick.