Declining since 2003, #4,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Gissel since 1977
Babies named Gissel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 78 |
| 1990s | 508 |
| 2000s | 1,369 |
| 2010s | 476 |
| 2020s | 114 |
Meaning & origin
Gissel first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1977, and reached its peak popularity in 2002. Since 2003, its usage has been declining. As of 2025, it ranks 4546th, with an estimated 1 in 53576 births. While the name is not geographically concentrated, it has found a niche among families drawn to its melodic sound. Its etymology likely traces back to the Germanic root gisil, meaning 'pledge', through the French name Giselle. Though less common than its more famous variant, Gissel offers a distinct yet familiar choice.
Gissel is likely a variant of Giselle, a name of Germanic origin derived from the element gisil, meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage'. The name was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest. In modern times, it has been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the United States where it gained modest popularity in the late 20th century. Alternative origins include a connection to the Hebrew name Gisela, but this is less certain.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gissy, Giss
Sibling names for Gissel
Names that share Gissel's style, for a brother or sister.
