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Israel

♀ Girl

Israel Pronunciation

Israel is pronounced IZ-ree-əl /ˈɪz.ri.əl/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Yisrael, 'he strives with God' — Jacob's wrestling-won name, here for daughtersHigh

In 30 seconds: The name won by wrestling an angel — worn by a daughter: Israel, 'strives with God', crosses boldly to girls in the scripture-name wave. Mighty, covenantal, and unexpected.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Yisrael, 'he strives with God' — Jacob's wrestling-won name, here for daughters

U.S. rank (2024)#3901 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,593

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Israel comes from Hebrew Yisrael, 'he strives with God' — the name given Jacob after his night of wrestling, and thence the nation. Traditionally male, it now appears for daughters in the bold-biblical trend; this page covers that use.

It registers thinly for girls in recent records. Rare for daughters, God-striving at the root, and weighty.

Did you know? Jacob earned the name Israel after wrestling a mysterious stranger until dawn — 'for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed'.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Israel — etymology

Variations

IzraelYisraelIsraela

Nicknames

IzzyRae

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Israel…

Zion— a fellow bold scriptural crossover

Judah— the companion tribe-name for girls

Micah— another biblical unisex favorite

Isobel— a similarly popular pick

Abigael— lands in the same popularity range

→ See all names like Israel

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

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Israel?

Israel is pronounced IZ-ree-əl (/ˈɪz.ri.əl/). Press play above to hear Israel said aloud.

How do you say Israel?

Israel is said IZ-ree-əl (/ˈɪz.ri.əl/). Press play above to hear Israel said aloud.

What does the name Israel mean?

Israel is Hebrew for 'he strives with God', Jacob's wrestling-won name.

Is Israel a boy or girl name?

Israel is traditionally male; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Israel?

Israel is a rare name for girls in the U.S.