Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Yisrael is a Hebrew name meaning 'to wrestle with God,' rooted in biblical history as a significant name linked to the patriarch Jacob. Its evolution includes various forms across languages. The name embodies traits of strength and struggle and holds biblical relevance, representing the nation of Israel.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/jiːsˈreɪəl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Yisrael means 'to wrestle with God' and is derived from the Hebrew root 'sarah,' which means 'to contend' or 'to struggle.' It is associated with the biblical patriarch Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel.
Meaning
to wrestle with God
Language Evolution
Yisra'el (Hebrew), Israel (English), Israël (French), Israele (Italian)
Biblical Background
Yisrael is a significant biblical name, as it refers to the nation of Israel and the descendants of Jacob, who is a foundational figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Hebrew Bible and has been used throughout history among Jewish communities. Its use expanded with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, making it a symbol of national identity.
Variants & Derivatives
Israel, Izzy, Yisroel
Modern Popularity & Image
Yisrael is often viewed positively, associated with strength, perseverance, and cultural heritage. It is frequently used in contemporary Jewish communities.
Famous People
Yisrael Kristal, the world's oldest living man recognized by the Guinness World Records, Yisrael Campbell, a comedian and actor, Yisrael Dovid Weiss, a prominent activist against Zionism
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 81 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (9 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 9 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7360th of 10718 | 23 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4872nd of 16616 | 151 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3157th of 24088 | 511 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2123rd of 23106 | 807 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
50.82% 1770th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
34.46% 1542nd/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
21.03% 1086th/5164 |
60.11% 4396th/7313 |
55.04% 4108th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
17.54% 787th/4487 |
46.25% 3155th/6822 |
47.13% 2958th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Jersey across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7360th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4872nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3157th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2123rd out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.