Declining since 2008, #382 for girls today.
Popularity of Giselle since 1949
Babies named Giselle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 481 |
| 1960s | 707 |
| 1970s | 835 |
| 1980s | 1,924 |
| 1990s | 6,074 |
| 2000s | 19,718 |
| 2010s | 15,187 |
| 2020s | 5,255 |
Meaning & origin
Giselle, a name of Germanic origin meaning 'pledge,' entered the U.S. naming charts in 1949 and saw its greatest popularity in the 2000s, peaking at rank in 2007. Since 2008, its usage has been in gradual decline; by 2025 it ranks 382nd, with about 1 in 2,002 baby girls receiving the name. The name is particularly favored in states with Hispanic and French influences, notably New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. Though steady, its trajectory suggests a continued easing in frequency, as parents increasingly gravitate toward fresher or more varied choices.
Giselle derives from the Old German element gisil, meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage.' The name was popularized in the 19th century by the ballet 'Giselle' (1841), a Romantic ballet about a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart. It has been used across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, and gained traction in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century.
Where Giselle is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Giselle” around the world
Where Giselle lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gigi, Elle, Gisele
Sibling names for Giselle
Names that share Giselle's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurora, Celeste, Eloise, Juliette, Vivienne, Brigitte, Caprice, Ivonne, Jaelyn, Lizeth, Nadine, Arizbeth, Gissel, Yamilex, Ariell, Ivone, Minette, Nayelly, Rosmery, Yvetta, Anjelique, Atziry, Brizeida, Jhoselyn, Margeaux, Rochella, Brendaliz, Brunette, Camelle, Chanele, Chantale, Gesenia, Juelle, Marieliz, Mazella, Verlaine
Brothers: Etienne, Julien, Luc, Matteo, Sebastien, Aramis, Gaston, Aniel, Argenis, Jhovany, Yaniel, Audel, Durand, Humbert, Yobany, Yosgart, Addiel, Reynald, Yeferson
Names like Giselle
Names whose popularity has moved with Giselle's over the last 50 years.
