The name Israel is of Hebrew origin and means "God fights" or "Let God fight." It is derived from the Hebrew words "El" meaning God, and "Sarah" meaning to contend or struggle. The name is significant in Jewish culture as it is the name given to Jacob by God after he wrestled with an angel in the Book of Genesis. Throughout history, the name Israel has been associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel and its people, who were known for their devotion to their faith and their struggles against various enemies throughout history. Today, the name Israel continues to hold great significance for Jews around the world as a symbol of their heritage and cultural identity.
The name Israel has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as reflected in these statistics from the past seven decades.
In the early years, from 1951 to 1976, the number of births with the name Israel fluctuated between 5 and 9 per year. However, starting in 1977, there was a significant increase in its popularity, with the number of annual births reaching double digits for the first time.
This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the name Israel becoming increasingly popular among parents. In 1992, there were 33 births, and this figure more than doubled by 1994, with 67 births that year. The peak of popularity was reached in 2007, with a total of 58 births.
Since then, the name Israel has maintained its popularity, with an average of around 50 births per year between 2008 and 2023. In fact, it has remained relatively consistent, with a high of 69 births in both 2018 and 2019, and a low of 54 births in 2023.
Over the entire period from 1951 to 2023, there have been a total of 1554 babies named Israel born in the United States. This demonstrates that while its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, the name Israel has remained a well-loved choice for parents across several generations.
These statistics illustrate how cultural trends and personal preferences can shape the naming choices of parents throughout history. They also highlight the enduring appeal of the name Israel, which continues to be chosen by families in significant numbers each year.