Find out how popular the first name Yisrael has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yisrael by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Yisrael is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 68 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yisrael.

The history of the first name Yisrael

The given name Yisrael has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew phrase "Yisra El," which translates to "one who struggles with God" or "one who prevails with God." This name holds significant historical and religious importance in the Abrahamic faiths.

The name Yisrael is first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, where it refers to the patriarch Jacob, who was given this name after wrestling with an angel of God. According to the biblical account, Jacob's name was changed to Yisrael, and he became the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Israel.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Yisrael was the biblical figure Yisrael ben Eliezer, also known as the Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), who was the founder of the Hasidic movement in Judaism. His teachings and philosophy had a profound impact on Jewish mysticism and spirituality.

Another notable historical figure with the name Yisrael was Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838-1933), also known as the Chofetz Chaim, who was a renowned rabbi and author of several influential works on Jewish law and ethics.

In the realm of literature, Yisrael Zangwill (1864-1926) was a British writer and playwright of Jewish descent, known for his works that explored Jewish identity and Zionism. His novel "Children of the Ghetto" (1892) was a seminal work in depicting the lives of Jewish immigrants in London's East End.

Yisrael Kristal (1903-2017) holds the distinction of being recognized as the world's oldest living man by the Guinness World Records in 2016. He was a Holocaust survivor who lived through both World Wars and witnessed the establishment of the State of Israel.

Yisrael Aumann (born 1930) is an Israeli-American mathematician and game theorist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2005 for his contributions to the field of game theory and its applications in economics.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who bore the name Yisrael, showcasing its enduring significance and the diverse backgrounds of those who carried this name.

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

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

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