Declining since 2004, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Gisel since 1969
Babies named Gisel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 86 |
| 1980s | 149 |
| 1990s | 530 |
| 2000s | 1,026 |
| 2010s | 377 |
| 2020s | 110 |
Meaning & origin
The name Gisel has been in use in the United States since at least 1969, though it has always been relatively rare. Its peak popularity came in 1999, when it reached its highest rank. Since 2004, the name has been in decline, reflecting a shift away from variants of Giselle in recent years. In 2025, Gisel ranked 6,546, with approximately 1 in 94,545 girls receiving the name. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular region or state, and it remains a somewhat uncommon choice. Gisel is often seen as a modern, streamlined version of the classic Giselle, appealing to parents who prefer shorter names. Its unclear etymology and lack of strong cultural associations may contribute to its niche status.
Gisel is likely a variant of Giselle, which derives from the Old German element 'gisil' meaning 'pledge, hostage'. The name was borne by a medieval French saint and gained popularity through the 19th-century ballet 'Giselle'. As a shortened form, Gisel emerged in the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gigi, Zel
Sibling names for Gisel
Names that share Gisel's style, for a brother or sister.
