MallowbyNames

Gisell

jih-ZELL · Pledge or hostage, derived from Germanic roots meaning 'pledge' or 'noble offspring'.

2025 rank (girls)
#6,838
Babies named in 2025
16
Peak popularity
2005
2025 frequency
1 in 100,454 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2000

Declining since 2000, #6,838 for girls today.

Popularity of Gisell since 1979

Babies named Gisell per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3468102198020002020Most births 2005Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s7
1980s91
1990s416
2000s910
2010s357
2020s93

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

Variants: Giselle, Gisela, Jiselle

Sibling names for Gisell

Names that share Gisell's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

G is for Gisell, our favorite little girl.

G is for Gisell…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Gisell's letter becomes Gisell's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Gisell's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Gisell mean?
Gisell is derived from the Germanic element gisil, meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage', sharing roots with Gisela and Giselle.
How popular is the name Gisell?
As of 2025, Gisell ranked 6,838 in the United States, given to about 1 in every 100,454 newborn girls, making it a relatively uncommon choice.
Is Gisell a boy or girl name?
Gisell is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.