Isa (pronounced eesa) is the Arabic version and is alive and kicking in Muslim countries. posted by tavegyl at 11:21 AM on February 27, 2012 [2 favorites]
'Issa', the Arabic version of the name, is a common first name for Arabs and Muslims. posted by Paquda at 11:23 AM on February 27, 2012
Sorry, tavegyl, didn't see your answer. posted by Paquda at 11:24 AM on February 27, 2012
Not popular exactly, but a few generations ago a lot of women in Portugal were named Maria de Jesus. Since 90% (I exaggerate for effect) of that generation was called Maria de X, they'd be known by their second name X even if the name X itself wasn't a proper name for women. So, I knew quite a few little old ladies who we called Tia Jesus, Dona Jesus, etc.
Jesus is also a (not rare at all) surname in Portuguese. Unlikely to be a man's proper name but not unheard of.
I'm assuming the pattern is not that different in Brazil or Portuguese speaking Africa. posted by lucia__is__dada at 11:52 AM on February 27, 2012
Concerning the topic of the propriety of using Christ's name as a given name and much, much more see this post on the ever-helpful Language Log as well as its comments. posted by faustdick at 12:03 PM on February 27, 2012
There's another Language Log post here about using gods' names in general with a lot of discussion of Jesus/Joshua/Josue naming practices. posted by mskyle at 2:19 PM on February 27, 2012
not jesus, but similar: my great great grandfather on my father's side was named christ. posted by miss patrish at 10:03 PM on February 27, 2012
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posted by AkzidenzGrotesk at 11:15 AM on February 27, 2012 [7 favorites]