The name Gisselle is a French variation of the German name Gisela, which is derived from the Old Frankish word "gisal," meaning "pledge" or "hostage." This name has its roots in the early Middle Ages, around the 8th or 9th century.

The name Gisela was particularly popular among the Frankish nobility and was borne by several princesses and queens during the Carolingian and Ottonian dynasties. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name was Gisela, the daughter of King Louis the Pious, who lived in the 9th century.

In the 11th century, a notable figure named Gisela of Bavaria (985–1065) became the Queen of Germany and Holy Roman Empress as the wife of Emperor Conrad II. Her influence and patronage of the arts and literature contributed to the popularity of her name during that era.

Another prominent figure with this name was Gisela of Burgundy (1070–1133), who was the daughter of William I, Count of Burgundy. She married Humbert II of Savoy and became the Countess of Savoy, playing a significant role in the politics of her time.

The French variation, Gisselle, emerged in the 12th or 13th century and was likely influenced by the German name Gisela. One of the earliest recorded instances of this spelling was Gisselle de Gisors, a 13th-century French noblewoman.

In the 16th century, Gisselle de Courtanvaux (1542–1590) was a French courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine de' Medici. She was known for her intelligence and wit, and her name was mentioned in various historical accounts of the French court during that period.

Over the centuries, the name Gisselle has been carried by numerous individuals, although its popularity has waxed and waned in different regions and time periods. Its French and German origins, along with its association with nobility and historical figures, have contributed to its enduring presence as a given name.