Isaac

He laughs; he will laugh

Isaac is a Hebrew-rooted boys’ name usually explained as “he laughs” or “he will laugh”. Its source is יִצְחָק, often transliterated Yitsḥaq. In Genesis, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah; after his birth, Sarah speaks of the laughter that has come into her life. This gives the name’s meaning a memorable place in the story. There is a pleasing warmth in choosing a name associated with laughter. Isaac can feel thoughtful and classic without becoming austere, and that gentle note comes from its meaning rather than an elaborate or decorative form. English Isaac is pronounced /ˈaɪzək/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The opening sound is broad and the final /k/ gives it a crisp finish. The spelling has two a’s, while the English pronunciation has two syllables; the written vowels are not read one by one.

Etymology: From Hebrew יִצְחָק (Yitsḥaq), built on a root meaning “to laugh”.