Declining since 2001, #1,808 for girls today.
Popularity of Gisselle since 1966
Babies named Gisselle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 256 |
| 1990s | 1,724 |
| 2000s | 5,451 |
| 2010s | 2,272 |
| 2020s | 781 |
Meaning & origin
Gisselle is a spelling variant of the ballet-inspired Giselle, itself from the Germanic word for 'pledge.' It first entered U.S. records in 1966 and reached its peak rank in 2000, when it ranked highest. Since 2001, its usage has been on a steady decline; in 2025 it ranked 1,808 with approximately 1 in 14,480 girls receiving the name. The name is most popular in Maryland, California, and Texas, reflecting both its French-leaning spelling and broader American adoption. While Giselle maintains classic associations with the Romantic ballet of 1841, the Gisselle variant feels more modern, especially popular in the 1990s and 2000s.
Gisselle is a variant of Giselle, which derives from the Old High German word 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage.' The name was popularized in the 19th century by the ballet 'Giselle,' first performed in 1841. The variant spelling Gisselle emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century.
Where Gisselle 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gis, Gigi, Elle
Sibling names for Gisselle
Names that share Gisselle's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Gisselle
Names whose popularity has moved with Gisselle's over the last 50 years.
