Israel is a Hebrew name that translates to "he who struggles with God." Its origins can be traced back to the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as the name given by God to Jacob after he wrestled with an angel. The name Israel carries significant historical and cultural importance in Judaism and Christianity.
In the Hebrew Bible, Jacob is renamed Israel following his wrestling match with an angel, during which he asks for a blessing. Instead of granting him a blessing directly, the angel gives him a new name - Israel. This event is recorded in Genesis 32:28-29: "And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and men, and have prevailed.'" The name Israel thus signifies the struggle and perseverance of Jacob.
Throughout history, the name Israel has been closely associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its people. The modern state of Israel is named after this ancient kingdom, reflecting the deep connection between the Jewish people and their historical and religious heritage.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Israel has been popular among Jews throughout history but gained wider popularity in recent decades among non-Jewish families as well. It is often chosen for its strong biblical association and historical significance.
Overall, the name Israel carries a rich history and cultural importance that spans centuries and civilizations. Its origin story in the Hebrew Bible provides insight into its profound meaning, while its usage throughout history reflects the enduring legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its people.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Israel over a span of 135 years, from 1880 to 2023. In the early years (1880-1947), the annual births fluctuated between single digits and low double-digit numbers, indicating that the name Israel was not particularly popular during this period.
However, a significant shift occurs around the late 1940s to early 1950s. Starting from 1948 (the year of Israel's independence), there is a steady increase in births with the name Israel. This trend continues until it peaks in the mid-1960s, reaching over 300 births per year by 1970.
The peak in popularity of the name Israel coincides with an overall trend towards more people choosing Hebrew names for their children in the 1950s and 1960s. This is likely due to increased Jewish pride and identity following the establishment of the State of Israel.
After the mid-1970s, the popularity of the name Israel starts to decline but remains relatively stable until around the late 1980s. Since then, there has been a more significant decrease in its usage, with fewer than 200 births per year recorded in recent years (2016-2023).
In total, over the course of these 135 years, there have been 68,896 births with the name Israel. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has waxed and waned over time, it remains a significant choice among parents naming their children Israel.