Declining since 1995, #3,903 for girls today.
Popularity of Gisela since 1915
Babies named Gisela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 15 |
| 1920s | 47 |
| 1930s | 32 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 140 |
| 1960s | 332 |
| 1970s | 646 |
| 1980s | 511 |
| 1990s | 901 |
| 2000s | 909 |
| 2010s | 480 |
| 2020s | 212 |
Meaning & origin
Gisela draws from the Germanic word for 'pledge', an ancient naming tradition that viewed children as sacred bonds. Its usage in the United States has been steadily falling since its peak year of 1995, reflecting a broader decline of medieval Germanic names. In 2025, the name ranked 3903 and was given to roughly 1 in 43,440 newborn girls. Texas was the only top state for Gisela, suggesting a localized appeal. The name's longest continuous record goes back to 1915, while its trajectory shows a persistent drop over the past three decades.
Gisela is a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element 'gisal', meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage'. It was borne by several medieval nobles, including the wife of King Stephen I of Hungary. The name gained popularity in German-speaking regions and later spread across Europe.
Where Gisela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gisi, Gisa
Variants: Giselle, Gisèle
Sibling names for Gisela
Names that share Gisela's style, for a brother or sister.
