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Gisela

♀ Girl

Gisela Pronunciation

Gisela is pronounced gee-SEH-lah /ɡiˈsɛ.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Germanic gisil, 'pledge, hostage' (a guarantee of a treaty) — feminineHigh

In 30 seconds: A noble pledge: Gisela is Germanic for 'pledge, hostage' — a royal medieval name (model Gisele's cousin spelling). Elegant, strong, and historic.

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Origin HighGerman

MeaningFrom Germanic gisil, 'pledge, hostage' (a guarantee of a treaty) — feminine

U.S. rank (2024)#4302 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births33 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1995

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,209

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Gisela comes from Germanic gisil, 'pledge, hostage' — a noble guarantee of a treaty, borne by medieval queens and saints. An elegant, historic name across German and Spanish-speaking lands.

In the U.S. it appears in German and Latino families. Rare, pledge at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Gisela means 'pledge' in Germanic — royal daughters sealed treaties as honored 'pledges'; it was a name of medieval queens and saints (model Gisele echoes it).

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Gisela — etymology

Variations

GiseleGisellaGiselle

Nicknames

Gigi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gisela…

Giselle— the French form

Gisele— a fellow spelling

Griselda— a companion Germanic name

Ameila— lands in the same popularity range

Annelise— shares Gisela's German roots

→ See all names like Gisela

Browse the whole category: All German names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Gisela?

Gisela is pronounced gee-SEH-lah (/ɡiˈsɛ.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Gisela said aloud.

How do you say Gisela?

Gisela is said gee-SEH-lah (/ɡiˈsɛ.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Gisela said aloud.

What does the name Gisela mean?

Gisela is Germanic for 'pledge, hostage' — a noble treaty-guarantee.

Is Gisela a boy or girl name?

Gisela is a girl's name.

How popular is Gisela?

Gisela is a rare name in the U.S.