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Home › Baby Names Directory › Fishel

Fishel

♂ Boy

Pronounced FISH-el /ˈfɪʃ.ɛl/Medium

Meaning: From Yiddish fish, 'a fish', with the affectionate -el ending; 'a little fish' — traditionally linked to Ephraim (blessed to multiply like fish)Low

In 30 seconds: A little fish: Fishel is Yiddish 'a little fish'. Warm, traditional, and homey (said 'FISH-el').
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Origin LowYiddish
MeaningFrom Yiddish fish, 'a fish', with the affectionate -el ending; 'a little fish' — traditionally linked to Ephraim (blessed to multiply like fish)
U.S. rank (2025)#4440 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 303

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519592025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Fishel comes from Yiddish fish, 'a fish', with the affectionate -el ending — 'a little fish'. It is traditionally a Yiddish kinnui (companion name) for Ephraim, who was blessed to multiply like the fish of the sea. A warm, traditional name (said 'FISH-el'; nickname Fish).

In the U.S. it appears in Orthodox Jewish families. Rare, a-little-fish at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Fishel comes from the Yiddish fish, 'a fish', with an affectionate -el ending — 'a little fish' — traditionally linked to Ephraim, blessed in scripture to multiply like fish — a warm, traditional name (said 'FISH-el').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Fishel — Yiddish etymology

Variations

FischelFishl

Nicknames

Fish

Famous Bearers

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If you like Fishel…

Ephraim— the name it accompanies
Zev— a kin Yiddish animal-name boys' name
Mendel— echoes that soft -el sound
Hershel— shares the -el ending
Cheskel— shares the -el ending

Explore names like Fishel

By themeyiddish
By meaningLoveGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fishel mean?

Fishel is Yiddish for 'a little fish', traditionally linked to Ephraim.

How do you pronounce Fishel?

It's said FISH-el /ˈfɪʃ.ɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Fishel a boy or girl name?

Fishel is a boy's name.

How popular is Fishel?

Fishel is a rare name in the U.S.

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