Israel is a given name of Hebrew origin that has been used throughout history. It means "God perseveres" or "God strives" and is composed of the Hebrew elements "El," meaning God, and "Yisrael," meaning to strive or persevere.
The name Israel first appears in the Bible as the name given to the patriarch Jacob after he wrestled with an angel. According to the story, Jacob's name was changed to Israel because he had struggled with God and persevered throughout the night. This name has since become associated with the Jewish people and their history.
In modern times, the name Israel is often used as a given name for boys, particularly in Jewish families. It has also been used as a surname, particularly among Jews of Ashkenazi descent. However, it should be noted that the use of this name can sometimes be politically charged due to its association with the modern State of Israel.
Overall, the name Israel is a strong and meaningful one with deep roots in history and culture. Its significance makes it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with substance and significance.
Over the years from 1992 to 2016, the name Isreal was given to a total of 58 newborns. The years with the highest number of babies named Isreal were 2000 and 2003, each with 10 and 7 births respectively. However, there are also several years where only 5 or fewer babies were named Isreal, including 1992, 2001, 2002, and 2009. The peak in popularity for the name Isreal appears to have been around the year 2000.