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Giselle

♀ Girl

Pronounced jih-ZEL /dʒɪˈzɛl/High

Meaning: From Old High German gisil meaning pledge or hostage, used in medieval diplomacy to secure alliances; the name entered French usage through Frankish aristocracyHigh

In 30 seconds: Giselle is a flowing Germanic-French name meaning 'pledge,' famed through Adolphe Adam's 19th-century ballet and elevated by its associations with grace, beauty, and elegance.
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Origin HighGermanic, French
MeaningFrom Old High German gisil meaning pledge or hostage, used in medieval diplomacy to secure alliances; the name entered French usage through Frankish aristocracy
U.S. rank (2025)#382 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births803 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 50,180

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719492025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Giselle descends from the Old High German element gisil, meaning pledge or hostage — a diplomatic term from an era when nobles sent family members as tokens of loyalty. The Frankish princess Gisela, daughter of Pepin the Short, helped spread the name.

The ballet Giselle premiered in Paris in 1841 and became a landmark of Romantic dance. In the modern era, supermodel Gisele Bündchen has given the name fresh glamour.

Did you know? The 1841 ballet Giselle, with music by Adolphe Adam, is one of the most performed ballets in the world and has kept the name synonymous with ethereal feminine grace for nearly two centuries.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Giselle — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GiseleGiselGhislaine

Nicknames

Gigi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Gisele Bündchen (1980–present)
    Brazilian supermodel, one of the highest-paid models in the world.
  • ★Giselle (ballet) (1841)
    Romantic ballet with music by Adolphe Adam, one of the most performed classical ballets worldwide.

If you like Giselle…

Isabelle— shares the flowing French elegance and two-syllable belle ending
Noelle— French name with the same melodic -elle ending and romantic feel
Chantal— fellow French feminine name with aristocratic roots and poetic charm
Camille— shares the ballet and French heritage with effortless sophistication

Frequently Asked

What does the name Giselle mean?

Giselle comes from the Old High German gisil meaning pledge or hostage, a diplomatic term from medieval Europe.

How do you pronounce Giselle?

It is said jih-ZEL /dʒɪˈzɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Giselle a French name?

Giselle entered French usage through Frankish aristocracy and is strongly associated with French culture, though its roots are Germanic.

What is a nickname for Giselle?

The popular nickname is Gigi.