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

Popularity of Gizelle by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 33 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gizelle.

The history of the first name Gizelle

The name Gizelle finds its origins in the French language, derived from the Germanic name Gisela. This name itself has roots in the Old Frankish word "gisal," meaning a pledge or hostage. The name Gizelle is a variant spelling that emerged in the late Middle Ages.

In the 8th century, Gisela was the name of a daughter of the Frankish king Pepin the Short. She later became a nun and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. This early association with royalty and religious significance likely contributed to the name's popularity in the medieval period.

During the 12th century, the name Gizelle appeared in the writings of the French poet and troubadour Bertran de Born. In his works, Gizelle was portrayed as a beautiful and virtuous woman, further enhancing the name's positive connotations.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Giselle of Massovia (c. 1151 – 1207), a Polish princess and duchess consort of Kalisz. Her legacy as a patron of the arts and charitable endeavors helped to spread the name throughout Central Europe.

In the 16th century, the French composer and choreographer Jean-Baptiste Lully created the renowned ballet "Giselle" in 1841, which featured a peasant girl named Giselle as the tragic heroine. This work popularized the name in France and beyond.

Another notable Gizelle was Gizelle Pascale (1826 – 1895), a French ballerina and one of the most celebrated dancers of her time. She performed the lead role in Lully's "Giselle" and helped to cement the name's association with grace and artistry.

In the 20th century, Gizelle Landes (1908 – 1990) was an American actress and dancer who appeared in numerous films and Broadway productions. Her performances helped to keep the name in the public consciousness.

Throughout its history, the name Gizelle has been imbued with associations of beauty, grace, and strength, owing to its connections with royalty, religious figures, and talented artists and performers. Its French origins and elegant sound have contributed to its enduring appeal across various cultures.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!