What does Giselle mean and where does it come from?
The name Giselle originates from the Germanic word 'gisil', which means 'pledge' or 'hostage'. It became popular in France following the 19th-century ballet 'Giselle', which has made the name renowned in both French and German-speaking countries. Notable people include Giselle Bündchen, a famous Bra
Cultural significance
Giselle has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pledge or hostage.
Peak popularity
Reached #134 in 2007 — currently #347 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Giselle?
Giselle works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Giselle Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Giselle Rose
Floral · soft ending
Giselle Mae
Sweet · timeless
Giselle Claire
French influence · crisp
Giselle Jane
Literary · strong
Giselle Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Giselle right now?
Holding steady — currently #347 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #347 | 889 | ▲ up 3 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #350 | 907 | ▲ up 12 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #362 | 846 | ▼ down 31 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #331 | 930 | ▼ down 110 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #221 | 1,485 | ▼ down 74 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #147 | 2,089 | ▲ up 19 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #166 | 2,057 | ▲ up 46 · +38% births |
| 2000 | #212 | 1,486 | ▲ up 378 · +285% births |
| 1995 | #590 | 386 | ▲ up 115 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #705 | 299 | ▲ up 47 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #752 | 231 | ▲ up 434 · +104% births |
| 1980 | #1186 | 113 | stable · +15% births |
| 1975 | #1186 | 98 | ▲ up 232 · +32% births |
| 1970 | #1418 | 74 | ▼ down 233 · -11% births |
| 1965 | #1185 | 83 | — |
The story of Giselle
Giselle entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. A total of 45,880 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1111 in 1955 to #347 in 2023. Giselle is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Giselle in 2007:
Giselle by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 481 | |
| 1960s | 705 | |
| 1970s | 834 | |
| 1980s | 1,932 | |
| 1990s | 6,085 | |
| 2000s ★ | 19,736 | |
| 2010s | 15,172 | |
| 2020s | 930 | |
What are good nicknames for Giselle?
ANCIENT GERMANIC
GislenusGislin
What names sound and feel like Giselle?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Giselle also consider these
How is Giselle written in other languages?
Gender variants of Giselle
Common questions about the name Giselle
What does the name Giselle mean?
Giselle means "Pledge or hostage" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Giselle?
Giselle is currently ranked #347 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Giselle?
Giselle originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Giselle?
Giselle is a two-syllable name pronounced ZH IH0 S EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Giselle more of a girl or boy name?
Giselle is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.