What does Israel mean and where does it come from?
Israel is predominantly a masculine name derived from the Hebrew name Yisra'el, which carries significant cultural and religious meaning in Judaism. The name is traditionally associated with the biblical patriarch Jacob, who was given the name Israel after wrestling with an angel. It is important to
Cultural significance
Israel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ישׂראל - yisra'el, meaning 'god contends'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2530 in 2019 — currently #229 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Israel?
Israel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Israel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Israel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Israel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Israel Claire
French influence · crisp
Israel Jane
Literary · strong
Israel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Israel right now?
Holding steady — currently #229 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #229 | 1,535 | ▲ up 4 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #233 | 1,506 | ▲ up 1 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #234 | 1,547 | ▲ up 2528 · +2522% births |
| 2020 | #2762 | 59 | ▲ up 125 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #2887 | 60 | ▲ up 999 · +54% births |
| 2010 | #3886 | 39 | ▼ down 237 · -2% births |
| 2005 | #3649 | 40 | ▼ down 191 · +5% births |
| 2000 | #3458 | 38 | ▼ down 34 · +19% births |
| 1995 | #3424 | 32 | ▲ up 2427 · +113% births |
| 1990 | #5851 | 15 | ▼ down 1324 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #4527 | 16 | ▲ up 1472 · +78% births |
| 1975 | #5999 | 9 | — |
The story of Israel
Israel entered American naming records in 1951 and has been in use for over 73 years. A total of 65,617 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5999 in 1975 to #229 in 2023. Israel is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Israel in 2019:
Israel by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 202 | |
| 1890s | 164 | |
| 1900s | 210 | |
| 1910s | 1,051 | |
| 1920s | 1,110 | |
| 1930s | 776 | |
| 1940s | 964 | |
| 1950s | 1,856 | |
| 1960s | 2,680 | |
| 1970s | 5,446 | |
| 1980s | 6,382 | |
| 1990s | 10,451 | |
| 2000s ★ | 16,525 | |
| 2010s | 16,232 | |
| 2020s | 1,568 | |
What are good nicknames for Israel?
What names sound and feel like Israel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Israel also consider these
How is Israel written in other languages?
יִשְׂרָאֵל
Hebrew), Ισραηλ (Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Israel
What does the name Israel mean?
Israel means "ישׂראל - Yisra'el, meaning 'God contends'" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Israel?
Israel is currently ranked #229 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 Israel?
Israel originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Israel?
Israel is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 Z R EY0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Israel more of a girl or boy name?
Israel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.