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 seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, with a notable spike starting from around 1992. Between 1951 and 1987, there were fewer than 10 births each year on average, but this number began to rise steadily through the late 1980s and into the 1990s, reaching a peak of 69 births in both 2018 and 2019. While there has been some fluctuation since then, the name Israel continues to be popular, with over 50 births each year from 2015 onwards. In total, over the period covered by these statistics (1951-2023), the name Israel was given to 1554 newborns.