Find out how popular the first name Gissel has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gissel by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Gissel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gissel.

The history of the first name Gissel

The name Gissel finds its origins in the Middle Ages, derived from the Old German word "gisal," which translates to "hostage" or "pledge." This name was prominent during the medieval period, particularly in regions where Germanic languages were spoken, such as present-day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

In the early centuries of the Middle Ages, the practice of taking hostages or pledges was common among noble families and rulers as a means of ensuring the fulfillment of treaties or agreements. The name Gissel may have been given to children born during such exchanges or to symbolize the commitment of a pledge.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gissel can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a renowned German epic poem from around the 13th century. In this literary work, Giselher is the name of one of the main characters, the youngest son of King Gunther and Queen Ute.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Gissel. One such figure was Gissel von Östringen (c. 1200-1270), a German noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the politics of her time. Another was Gissel von Rosenberg (1310-1390), a Bohemian noblewoman and wife of Peter I of Rosenberg, a prominent nobleman in the Kingdom of Bohemia.

In the 15th century, Gissel von Hohenzollern (1445-1505) was a German princess and duchess, known for her patronage of the arts and her charitable works. She was a member of the influential Hohenzollern family, which would later rule over Brandenburg and Prussia.

Moving into the early modern period, Gissel von Gottorp (1594-1668) was a Danish princess and duchess, renowned for her intelligence and involvement in the cultural affairs of her time. She was a patron of the arts and sciences, and her court in Schleswig-Holstein attracted many notable scholars and artists.

Another noteworthy individual was Gissel von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1637-1701), a German noblewoman and duchess who played a significant role in the politics and governance of the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin during her lifetime.

While the name Gissel has its roots in the Middle Ages and was particularly prevalent in Germanic regions, it has since spread to other parts of the world, albeit with varying spellings and pronunciations. However, its historical significance and associations with nobility, pledges, and hostages remain an integral part of its etymology and cultural heritage.

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 Gissel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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