What Does the Name Isadora Mean?
Isadora comes from the Greek name Isidoros, a compound of Ἰσις (Isis, the Egyptian goddess) and δῶρον (doron, gift) — giving the literal meaning "gift of Isis." The same "-doron" element appears in other names like Theodore.
The Origin & History of Isadora
The name survived the suppression of Isis worship after the Christianization of the Roman Empire and went on to be carried by several Christian saints. Some sources loosely translate it as "gift of God," but that reading doesn't match the name's actual Egyptian-Greek roots.
Cultural Reach
Isadora has long had an artistic, bohemian association in English-speaking countries, driven almost entirely by its most famous bearer.
Personality & Traits
With a meaning tied to a goddess and to artistic rebellion, Isadora suggests creativity, confidence, and a willingness to break convention.
Famous People Named Isadora
Isadora Duncan (1877–1927) was an American dancer and choreographer widely credited as a founder of modern dance. She rejected classical ballet for freer, expressive movement inspired by ancient Greek art, built her career in Europe after poor reception in the US, and founded her own dance school in 1904.
Popularity as a Given Name
SSA data recorded 192 girls named Isadora in the US in 2024, up from 155 in 2023.
Nicknames & Variants
Isidora is the closer Greek-form spelling, used especially in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.