Giselle

What does the baby name Giselle mean? Learn about what Giselle means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Giselle - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Giselle: G-I-S-E-L-L-E, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Giselle: ji ZEL
Meaning of Giselle: Pledge, oath, hostage.
Origin of Giselle: The name 'Giselle' has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Old High German name 'Gisil', which means 'pledge' or 'hostage'. It is believed that the name was derived from the word 'gisal', which referred to a noble hostage or a pledge of peace. 'Giselle' is also associated with the Germanic word 'gisil' or 'gisal', meaning 'arrow'. The earliest known use of the name 'Giselle' dates back to the 11th century.; American Names; Celebrity Names; Disney Names; English Names; French Names; German Names; Germanic Names; Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Giselle: Ghisele; Gisele; Gisella; Giza; Gizela
Popularity of Giselle: The popularity of the name 'Giselle' has experienced notable spikes over time. In the early 20th century, the name was relatively uncommon. However, it gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, possibly influenced by the rise of ballet and the famous ballet production 'Giselle'. The name reached its peak in the 1990s and has remained popular ever since. In recent years, 'Giselle' has consistently ranked among the top 200 names for girls in the United States.; Giselle currently has 372 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked girl's names. The name Leslie is slightly more popular than Giselle.

Etymology of Giselle

The etymology of the name 'Giselle' can be traced back to the Germanic language. The name is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word 'gisilaz', which means 'pledge' or 'hostage'. This linguistic root reflects the historical context in which the name emerged, as hostages were often given as a guarantee of peace or goodwill between different tribes or nations.

Cultural Significance of Giselle

The name 'Giselle' holds cultural significance in various contexts. One notable association is with the ballet 'Giselle', which premiered in 1841. The ballet tells the story of a young peasant girl named 'Giselle' who falls in love with a nobleman but tragically dies of a broken heart. The ballet has since become a beloved classic, and the name 'Giselle' has become synonymous with grace, beauty, and elegance.