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.
The name Israel has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years based on these annual birth statistics. Starting from just 9 births in 1880, it experienced a steady increase, reaching its first peak of 29 births in 1954 and another peak of 121 births in 2006. However, since then, there has been a decline, with the most recent year (2023) showing 55 births. Over this entire period from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 4608 babies named Israel.