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

Popularity of Isreal by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Isreal is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Isreal being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 55 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Isreal.

The history of the first name Isreal

The given name Isreal has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yisrael, which means "he who struggles with God" or "one who strives with God." The name is rooted in the biblical story of Jacob, who wrestled with an angel of God and was given the name Israel.

The name Isreal appears prominently in various religious texts and historical records. In the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, the name Israel is used to refer to the patriarch Jacob, as well as the nation and land of the Israelites. The name plays a significant role in the narratives of the Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of the ancient Israelite kingdoms.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Isreal can be found in the Book of Genesis, where Jacob is given the name after his struggle with the angel. This event is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the spiritual journey and struggles that people face in their relationship with the divine.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Isreal. One of the most famous is Isreal ben Eliezer (c. 1700-1760), also known as the Baal Shem Tov, who was a Jewish mystic and the founder of the Hasidic movement in Eastern Europe. Another prominent figure is Isreal Zangwill (1864-1926), a British writer and activist who was a vocal advocate for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

In the realm of religious leadership, Isreal Meir Kagan (1838-1933), also known as the Chofetz Chaim, was a renowned Jewish rabbi and scholar who authored numerous works on Jewish law and ethics. Isreal Friedman (1876-1957), better known as the Rizhiner Rebbe, was a influential Hasidic leader and spiritual teacher in Poland and Ukraine.

Isreal Regardie (1907-1985) was a notable occultist and author who played a significant role in the revival of interest in Western ceremonial magic and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the 20th century.

It's worth noting that while the name Isreal has its roots in Hebrew and Jewish tradition, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and religions throughout history, often with slightly different spellings or variations.

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

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

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