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HomeBaby Names DirectoryGisel

Gisel

♀ Girl

Pronounced gih-SEL /ɡɪˈsɛl/Medium

Meaning: Spelling of Gisela/Giselle — from Germanic gisil, 'a pledge, a hostage' (a noble pledge of peace between families)Medium

In 30 seconds: A noble pledge: Gisel spells Gisela/Giselle — 'a pledge'. Elegant, soft, and warm.
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Origin MediumGerman
MeaningSpelling of Gisela/Giselle — from Germanic gisil, 'a pledge, a hostage' (a noble pledge of peace between families)
U.S. rank (2024)#5333 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births24 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,266

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919692024

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

Gisel is a spelling of Gisela/Giselle — from Germanic gisil, 'a pledge, a hostage' (a noblewoman given as a pledge of peace between families). An elegant, soft name across the Spanish-speaking world (the romantic ballet Giselle; model Gisele Bündchen); said 'gih-SEL'.

In the U.S. it appears in Latina families. Rare, a-pledge at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Giselle/Gisela means 'a pledge, a hostage' (Germanic gisil) — once a noble pledge of peace between royal families; Gisel is a streamlined Latina spelling (the ballet Giselle); elegant and soft.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Giselle — root etymology

Variations

GiselaGiselleGissel

Nicknames

Gigi

Famous Bearers

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If you like Gisel…

Gisela— the standard spelling
Giselle— the French form
Griselda— another Gris-/Gis- girls' name
Grettel— shares Gisel's German roots
Gretel— a fellow German choice

Explore names like Gisel

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gisel mean?

Gisel spells Gisela/Giselle — Germanic 'a pledge, a hostage'.

How do you pronounce Gisel?

It's said gih-SEL /ɡɪˈsɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Gisel a boy or girl name?

Gisel is a girl's name.

How popular is Gisel?

Gisel is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Giselle is more common.

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