What does Yisrael mean and where does it come from?
Yisrael is a Hebrew name, historically associated with the biblical figure Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel. The name has deep cultural and religious significance in Jewish tradition and is commonly used in Israel. It symbolizes perseverance and faith and has been used in
Cultural significance
Yisrael has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of יִשְׂרָאֵל - he who struggles with god.
Peak popularity
Reached #1920 in 2024 — currently #2227 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Yisrael?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Yisrael?
Yisrael works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yisrael Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Yisrael John
One syllable · timeless choice
Yisrael Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Yisrael Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Yisrael Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Yisrael Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Yisrael right now?
Falling — down 307 spots — currently #2227 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2227 | 64 | ▼ down 307 · -23% births |
| 2024 | #1920 | 83 | ▲ up 207 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #2127 | 69 | ▼ down 130 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #1997 | 77 | ▲ up 373 · +33% births |
| 2021 | #2370 | 58 | ▼ down 59 |
| 2020 | #2311 | 58 | stable · +2% births |
| 2015 | #2311 | 57 | ▲ up 533 · +36% births |
| 2010 | #2844 | 42 | ▲ up 146 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #2990 | 35 | ▲ up 1507 · +106% births |
| 2000 | #4497 | 17 | ▼ down 1114 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #3383 | 20 | ▲ up 1858 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #5241 | 10 | ▲ up 1944 · +100% births |
| 1985 | #7185 | 5 | ▼ down 2325 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #4860 | 8 | — |
The story of Yisrael
Yisrael is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 1,197 total births recorded, Yisrael remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4860 in 1980 to #2127 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yisrael in 2024:
Yisrael by decade
Yisrael peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 15 | |
| 1980s | 71 | |
| 1990s | 128 | |
| 2000s | 325 | |
| 2010s ★ | 600 | |
| 2020s | 205 | |
💎With 1,197 total births, Yisrael is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Yisrael?
What names sound and feel like Yisrael?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yisrael also consider these
How is Yisrael written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Yisrael
What does the name Yisrael mean?
Yisrael means "יִשְׂרָאֵל - He who struggles with God" — 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 Yisrael?
Yisrael is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Yisrael?
Yisrael 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.
Is Yisrael a common or rare name?
Yisrael is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Yisrael?
Yisrael naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.