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Yisrael

♂ Boy

Pronounced yees-a-EHL /jis.ʁa.ˈʔel/Medium

Meaning: God contendsMedium

In 30 seconds: Yisrael is the Hebrew name behind Israel, meaning 'God contends'. It carries deep biblical weight.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningGod contends

U.S. rank (2025)#2227 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births64 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,556

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

In Hebrew, Yisrael means 'God contends', and it is the name given to the patriarch Jacob in Genesis after he wrestled with an angel. The twelve tribes of Israel descend from his sons, which makes the name central to the biblical story. The familiar English form is simply Israel.

The Hebrew spelling keeps the name close to its scriptural source, with the smoother Israel used in English. Short forms such as Isi and Issy give it a gentler everyday feel.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Yisrael is 'God contends', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name - Yisrael — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

IsraelYisra'elIsrahelIsiIssy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Yisrael (Israel / Jacob) (biblical)
Hebrew name given to the patriarch Jacob in the Book of Genesis after he wrestled with an angel; the twelve tribes of Israel descend from his sons.

If you like Yisrael…

Israel— The standard English form of the same Hebrew name.

Yaziel— shares Yisrael's Hebrew roots

Jadiel— lands in the same popularity range

Gadiel— lands in the same popularity range

Mikael— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Yisrael

By themehebrew

By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yisrael mean?

Yisrael is usually explained as meaning 'God contends' and is most often linked with Hebrew tradition.

How do you pronounce Yisrael?

It's commonly said yees-a-EHL /jis.ʁa.ˈʔel/.

Is Yisrael a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Yisrael is used as a boy name.

How popular is Yisrael?

In 2024, Yisrael ranked #1948 in the U.S. for boys, with 81 births recorded.