Yissel

Meaning & origin

Yissel is a modern name that has seen modest use in the United States since it first appeared in birth records in 1982. It reached its highest popularity in 2007, when it was most frequently given. While the overall trend has been stable, the name remains uncommon, with about 1 in every 267,878 girls receiving it in 2025. Its origins are debated among onomasticians; it is most often considered a Spanish-language variant of Yisel, which itself derives from Yisela, a feminization of Israel. Though not among the top names nationally, Yissel has found favor in many Latinx communities across the country. Its soft sound and modern feel contribute to its appeal. The name carries no attached states or famous bearers in the Social Security data, but it remains a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with subtle cultural resonance.

Yissel likely arose as a modern Spanish-language variant of Yisel, itself a respelling of Yisela, which is a Spanish feminization of Israel. The name has been used in Latinx communities, particularly in the United States, since the late 20th century. Its exact derivation is uncertain, but it clearly belongs to the family of names derived from the Hebrew Yisrael (Israel).