Gissel

“pledge”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5448US 2023

23Births / yr

↑Rising

2.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 197700.01% of births at peak

What does Gissel mean and where does it come from?

Gissel is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the word 'gīsal,' which means 'pledge' or 'hostage.' It has variations and inspired names in different regions, particularly in Germany and parts of Switzerland. The name has historical significance as it often referred to a person who was given as a

Cultural significance

Gissel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.

Peak popularity

Reached #1292 in 1999 — currently #5448 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gissel?

Gissel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gissel Grace

How popular is Gissel right now?

Rising fast — up 1948 spots — currently #5448 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#5448 · Top 4.0%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5448	23	▲ up 1948 · +53% births
2022	#7396	15	▲ up 4062 · +88% births
2021	#11458	8	▼ down 5761 · -62% births
2020	#5697	21	▼ down 1751 · -45% births
2015	#3946	38	▼ down 1910 · -61% births
2010	#2036	98	▼ down 441 · -23% births
2005	#1595	128	▼ down 245 · -9% births
2000	#1350	140	▲ up 2118 · +338% births
1995	#3468	32	▲ up 3689 · +167% births
1990	#7157	12	▲ up 1859 · +71% births
1985	#9016	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gissel

Best Year2000Rank #1350

Peak Count140

Average Rank#5324

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Gissel

Gissel is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 2,469 total births recorded, Gissel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9016 in 1985 to #5448 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gissel in 1999:

Emily Hannah Alexis Sarah Samantha

Gissel by decade

Gissel peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	18
1980s	78
1990s	508
2000s ★	1,369
2010s	475
2020s	21

💎With 2,469 total births, Gissel is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Gissel?

Common

GisGiIssel

Famous people named Gissel

Gissel (Scandinavian royal)

Gissel held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Gissel (Norse explorer)

Gissel carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Gissel (German philosopher)

Gissel used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Gissel (Scandinavian royal)

Gissel held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Gissel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gissel also consider these

Gisel

Germanic · pledge, hostage

Gisell

Germanic · Pledge

Zissel

American · The name Zissel

Grissel

Scotland · Old Norse

Gisser

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Missel

USA · Derived from the

Yissel

Hebrew · G-d will add.

Lisel

Germanic · German

Common questions about the name Gissel

What does the name Gissel mean?

Gissel means "German" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Gissel?

Gissel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gissel have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Gissel?

Gissel originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Gissel trending right now?

Gissel is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Gissel a common or rare name?

Gissel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.