Declining since 2000, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Gisell since 1979
Babies named Gisell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 91 |
| 1990s | 416 |
| 2000s | 910 |
| 2010s | 357 |
| 2020s | 93 |
Meaning & origin
Gisell is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Giselle, which has Germanic origins meaning 'pledge'. While Giselle saw a peak in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, Gisell's own peak occurred in 2005, though it has since declined in frequency. The name remains rare, with only about 1 in every 100,454 girls receiving it in 2025. It is most often found in communities with French or German heritage, though it has not been concentrated in any particular state. For parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive name with European flair, Gisell offers a fresh alternative to the more common Giselle.
Gisell is a variant of Giselle, which originated as a French diminutive of the Old German name Gisela, derived from the element gisil meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage'. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and saw revived interest in the 19th century through the ballet 'Giselle'.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gigi, Elle
Sibling names for Gisell
Names that share Gisell's style, for a brother or sister.

