issas

Issas is a term used in multiple contexts. It commonly refers to the Somali clan known as Issa, and it also functions as a plural form of the given name Issa in various cultures. The English-language plural Issas may thus refer to several individuals named Issa or to the Issa clan as a group in discussions about Somali society.

The Issa are a Somali clan traditionally considered part of the Dir confederation. They are associated with communities in the Horn of Africa, especially in regions that are now part of Somaliland, Djibouti, and eastern Ethiopia. As with other Somali clans, Issa lineage is central to social identity, and the group has participated in pastoralist livelihoods as well as regional trade and politics throughout history.

Onomastics: Issa is a given name in Arabic and other languages; the name Isa is often used for Jesus in Islamic tradition. In addition to being a given name, Issa may appear as a surname in various cultures. The plural Issas can refer to multiple individuals bearing the name or members of the Issa clan in collective discussion.

Variant spellings include Isa, Issa, Isaa, and other transliterations depending on language and script.