Find out how popular the first name Zisel has been for the last 26 years (from 1987 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zisel by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Zisel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zisel.

The history of the first name Zisel

The name Zisel originates from the Yiddish language, which is primarily spoken by Ashkenazi Jewish communities across Central and Eastern Europe. The name is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Zisele, which itself is a variant of the biblical name Ziskah.

In Hebrew, the name Ziskah is derived from the word "zik," meaning "branch" or "bough." This reference to nature and growth suggests that the name might have been associated with fertility or prosperity in ancient times. The Yiddish form, Zisel, emerged as a affectionate nickname or shortened version of the longer name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zisel can be found in the writings of the renowned Jewish philosopher and mystic, Rabbi Isaac Luria, who lived in the 16th century. In his works, he mentions a woman named Zisel who was known for her piety and devotion to the Kabbalah.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Zisel. In the 18th century, Zisel Bernheft (1720-1805) was a prominent Jewish businesswoman and philanthropist in Poland. She was renowned for her charitable work and for supporting the local Jewish community.

Another prominent figure was Zisel Zyklonzki (1784-1866), a Polish-Jewish author and scholar who wrote extensively on Jewish history and literature. His works played a significant role in preserving and documenting the rich cultural heritage of the Ashkenazi Jewish community.

In the 19th century, Zisel Landau (1829-1891) was a respected rabbi and Talmudic scholar in Hungary. He was known for his expertise in Jewish law and his contributions to the study of the Talmud.

Moving into the 20th century, Zisel Slepovitch (1904-1987) was a prominent Yiddish writer and playwright from Belarus. Her works focused on portraying the lives and struggles of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe during turbulent times.

Finally, Zisel Aufgang (1913-2007) was a notable Israeli artist and sculptor. Born in Poland, she immigrated to Israel in the 1930s and became known for her abstract and expressionist works, which often explored themes of Jewish identity and the human condition.

While the name Zisel may not be as commonly used today as it once was, its rich history and cultural significance within the Ashkenazi Jewish community remain deeply embedded in its origins and the lives of those who carried this name throughout the centuries.

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

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

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