The Origin and Meaning of the Name Isidore

Then name Isidore is of Greek origin and its meaning is "gift of Isis". Learn more about this name in the following article.
The Origin and Meaning of the Name Isidore

Last update: 06 October, 2022

Are you expecting a boy in the family and want to know the origin and meaning of the name Isidore? Here are all the details about this beautiful and traditional name.

No doubt, you’ll be surprised… Keep reading!

What’s the origin and meaning of the name Isidore?

According to etymological data, the name Isidore comes from the Greek Isidoros, which means ‘gift of Isis’, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, fecundity, and birth. In this regard, its lexical components would be the following: On the one hand, Isis and, on the other, doron ( ‘gift’).

Once inserted into Greek society, the name, by classical influence, also reached the Roman people and kept the same meaning with mythological connotations.

Santoral de Isidore, in honor of San Isidore Labrador (1082-1172)

A procession for St. Isidore.
In Madrid, Spain, every year a religious procession is held at the festival of San Isidro, in honor of the patron saint of the city.

Saint Isidore is celebrated in honor of San Isidore the Laborer. He was a Mozarabic farmer who was in the service of several lords of Madrid and whose praises were narrated by Juan de Vargas.

Thanks to the Codex of San Isidro, found during the sixteenth century in the Church of San Andrés, some miracles performed by this historical figure during the twelfth century are popularly recognized. Today, he’s praised for his union with the peasants and nature. Among the most interesting facts, in addition to narrating that he was a mediator to obtain rain in spring, five other miracles are detailed that also served for his later canonization by Pope Gregory XV:

  • Miracle of the mill
  • Miracle of the oxen
  • Miracle of the wolf
  • Miracle of the pot
  • Miracle of the brotherhood

For all of these reasons, today he’s praised all over the world and, in addition, he’s the patron saint of the city of Madrid. So, if you know someone whose name is Isidore or you want your little one to receive the honor of carrying the name of Isidore, write down the date of May 14 to congratulate him.

Santoral de Isidore, in honor of Saint Isidore of Seville (556-636)

At the same time, you should also know that there’s another key date that reflects the greatness of this name: April 26. In this case, it’s in honor of Saint Isidore of Seville. He’s venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is recognized as one of the Fathers of the Church thanks to his works in Latin.

In fact, all of Spain’s medieval historical writings were based on his works. In addition, until the twelfth century, it was transmitted and disseminated through Arabic translations, becoming one of the primary sources for the entry of the works of Aristotle and other Greeks in Europe.

A little girl walking down a white staircase near the sea in Greece.
Thanks to the popularity reached by this Greek name, its feminine variants Isidra or Isidora also emerged.

Variants in other languages of Isidore

One of the most striking and irrefutable proofs that this name has crossed borders is the number of variants that exist in other countries, cities, and territories of the world. Undoubtedly, parents from the most diverse regions of the planet have been able to appreciate the beauty of this precious option for a boy. Here are some of them:

  • Isidre: in Catalan
  • Isidori: in Albanian
  • Isidor: in Czech, Danish, Romanian, Swedish, Norwegian, and German
  • Ixidor, Ixidro: in Basque
  • Isidore: in French and English
  • Isidro: in Spanish
  • Izidor: in Hungarian
  • Cidre: in Galician
  • Isidoru: in Sicilian and Asturian
  • Isidorus: in Finnish
  • Izidor: in Slovak and Slovenian
  • Izidors: in Latvian.
  • Izydor: In Polish

In addition, given its popularity, the original name has also crossed the gender barrier and today you can find its feminine variant in the form of Isidora or Isidra.

Now that you know the origin and meaning of Isidore, fall in love with this precious option

Clearly, given the history of all the characters who’ve been involved in the spread of this precious boy’s name, it deserves a place in the heart of all parents. For that reason, now that you know the origin and meaning of the name Isidore, we hope you appreciate and value it even more.

Undoubtedly, those who are named Isidore are very fortunate. So, if you’re thinking about this alternative when choosing the first identifying feature of your little one, don’t hesitate for a second. Surely, when he grows up, you’ll be able to explain to them where it comes from and he’ll be sure to feel very proud.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.