MallowbyNames

Yisrael

yis-rah-EL · God strives, or he who strives with God; also interpreted as 'prince of God'.

2025 rank (boys)
#2,207
Babies named in 2025
64
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 26,689 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1986

Rising since 1986, #2,207 for boys today.

Popularity of Yisrael since 1976

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

285583198020002020Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s15
1980s71
1990s128
2000s325
2010s605
2020s416

Meaning & origin

Yisrael is the Hebrew original of the well-known name Israel. It has been in use in the United States since at least 1976, with a notable rise in popularity since 1986. In 2025 it ranked 2,207th nationally, with its highest rank ever achieved in 2024. The name is borne by 1 in every 26,689 boys in the latest year, and it is most common in the states of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

Yisrael is the original Hebrew form of Israel, derived from the biblical name given to Jacob after wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32:28). The name combines 'sarah' (to strive, contend) with 'El' (God). It has been used in Jewish communities for centuries as a given name and as a component of many compound names.

Where Yisrael is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Yisroel, Sruli, Srulik

Variants: Israel, Yisroel, Yisrael

Sibling names for Yisrael

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

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

Y is for Yisrael, our favorite little boy.

Y is for Yisrael…”

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

Make Yisrael's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yisrael mean?
Yisrael means 'God strives' or 'he who strives with God', referencing the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with an angel.
How popular is the name Yisrael?
Yisrael ranked 2,207th in the United States in 2025, with approximately 1 in 26,689 newborn boys given the name that year.
Is Yisrael a boy's name?
Yes, Yisrael is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.