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

Popularity of Israel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Israel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Israel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,530 male babies and 54 female babies born with the name Israel.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 54 baby girls were named Israel in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Israel

The name Israel has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew words "Yisra'el" or "Yisra'el," which are believed to mean "one who struggles with God" or "God contends."

The name Israel is closely associated with the biblical figure Jacob, also known as Israel, who is described in the Book of Genesis as having wrestled with an angel or divine being. After this encounter, Jacob was given the name Israel, which became the name of his descendants and the nation they formed.

The name Israel first appears in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, where it refers to both the individual Jacob/Israel and the nation formed by his descendants, the Israelites. The name is prominently featured throughout the biblical texts, particularly in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and the historical books of the Hebrew Bible.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Israel is the biblical patriarch Jacob, who lived around the 18th century BCE according to traditional dating. In the Bible, Jacob's name is changed to Israel after his encounter with the divine being.

Another notable figure named Israel in ancient history is King Hoshea, the last king of the northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE, who ruled during a turbulent period and was eventually deposed by the Assyrian Empire.

In the New Testament, the name Israel is used to refer to the people of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, and their role in the divine plan. The apostle Paul, a key figure in early Christianity, often discusses the relationship between the church and Israel.

During the Middle Ages, the name Israel was not widely used, as it was primarily associated with the biblical and Jewish context. However, it gained popularity among certain Christian groups who sought to connect with the biblical heritage.

One notable figure named Israel from this period is Israel ben Joseph Benjamin II, also known as Israel the Elder, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and author from Spain.

As the Protestant Reformation gained momentum in the 16th century, the name Israel became more widely used among certain Protestant groups who emphasized the study of the Hebrew Bible and the connection with the biblical Israelites.

In the modern era, the name Israel has become more widely used, particularly after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It has been borne by several notable individuals, such as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, a Hawaiian musician and activist (1959-1997), and Israel Adesanya, a Nigerian-New Zealand professional mixed martial artist (born 1989).

Overall, the name Israel has a rich history rooted in the ancient Hebrew culture and the biblical narrative, with its meaning and significance evolving over time and across various religious and cultural contexts.

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

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

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