Israel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "he who struggles with God" or "strives with God". It is derived from the Hebrew words "Yisra'el", which are composed of the elements "yiśrā" (to strive) and "el" (with God). The name has significant historical and cultural importance in Judaism, as it was given to the biblical patriarch Jacob after he wrestled with an angel and refused to let go until blessed.
In the Old Testament, Israel is also used to refer to the people of Israel collectively, who were descended from the patriarch Jacob. They were a nation chosen by God to receive His laws and teachings, and they are considered the ancestors of modern-day Jews.
The name Israel has been popular among Jewish families for centuries, but it has also gained popularity in other cultures and religions. Today, it is often used as a given name or surname around the world, regardless of religious affiliation.
In terms of its meaning and historical significance, the name Israel carries a powerful message about perseverance, determination, and divine struggle. It serves as a reminder that life can be challenging at times, but with faith and resilience, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe the trends and popularity of the name Israel in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Starting from 1880, there were only 9 births with the name Israel. The number fluctuated over the years, with periods of low popularity and others of higher frequency. For instance, between 1880 and 1924, the number of births per year hovered around an average of 15 to 30, with peaks in certain years like 1927 (24 births) and valleys such as 1936 (13 births).
However, a significant shift occurred post-World War II. From 1945 onwards, the popularity of the name Israel began to rise steadily. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was 121 in 2006. This trend continued until around 2010, after which there was another decline.
Recently, from 2013 to 2023, the popularity of the name Israel has stabilized at an average of approximately 50 births per year, with slight fluctuations each year. For example, in 2022, there were 39 births, and in 2023, there were 55.
Overall, over this 143-year period from 1880 to 2023, the name Israel has been given to a total of 4608 babies born in the United States. This indicates that while it may not have been among the most popular names historically, there is still a consistent presence and appeal for this name among parents.