Find out how popular the first name Gisela has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gisela by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gisela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 40 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gisela.

The history of the first name Gisela

The name Gisela has its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically from the Old Germanic masculine name Gisilhari or Gisilher, which was composed of the elements "gisil" meaning hostage or pledge, and "hari" meaning army or warrior. It is believed that the name emerged during the Migration Period in Europe, around the 5th to 8th centuries AD, when various Germanic tribes such as the Goths, Vandals, and Franks were on the move across the continent.

The name Gisela first gained prominence among the Frankish nobility during the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Gisela, the daughter of King Lothar II of Lotharingia, who lived from 820 to 858 AD. She was a pivotal figure in the political intrigues of her time and played a significant role in shaping the alliances between the Carolingian rulers.

Another notable Gisela was the Queen of Hungary, who lived from around 985 to 1065 AD. She was the wife of King Stephen I of Hungary and played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Hungarian kingdom. Her efforts in promoting the spread of Christianity earned her the title of "Apostolic Queen" and sainthood in the Catholic Church.

The name Gisela also appeared in the annals of the Holy Roman Empire. Gisela of Burgundy, born in 952 AD, was the wife of Emperor Conrad II and the mother of Emperor Henry III. She was known for her piety and charitable works, and her influence helped shape the cultural and religious landscape of the empire during her lifetime.

In the 12th century, a Gisela of Merania lived from 1185 to 1238 and was the Queen of Hungary as the wife of King Andrew II. She played a pivotal role in the political affairs of the kingdom and was known for her patronage of the arts and culture.

Another notable figure was Gisela of Bavaria, born in 1210, who was the Queen of Hungary as the wife of King Stephen V. She was renowned for her diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in mediating disputes between various European rulers during her lifetime.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Gisela. The name has endured across centuries and continues to be used in various parts of Europe, particularly in German-speaking regions, as a testament to its rich historical heritage and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gisela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gisela, please contact us.

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