Rising since 2020.
Popularity of Gissela since 1985
Babies named Gissela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 65 |
| 2000s | 106 |
| 2010s | 37 |
| 2020s | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Gissela first entered U.S. birth records in 1985, a relatively late debut compared to many traditional names. Its peak year came in 2003, indicating a burst of popularity in the early 2000s. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2020, suggesting a renewed interest. As a respelling of the classic German name Gisela, it fits a broader trend of creative phonetic variations seen the late 20th century. The name remains uncommon but has a steady niche among parents seeking a feminine name with historical roots and a modern spelling.
Gissela is a modern respelling of the German name Gisela, derived from the Old High German element 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage'. The name Gisela was borne by several medieval European nobles, including a daughter of Charlemagne. The variant Gissela emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, reflecting a trend of phonetic spelling adaptations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gis, Ella, Gigi
Sibling names for Gissela
Names that share Gissela's style, for a brother or sister.
