Iseult is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. Derived from the Old Irish word "Isúilt," which means "ice cold" or "very cold," Iseult is believed to have been inspired by the wintry weather that characterized Ireland's climate during the time when the name first came into usage.
The name Iseult gained significant popularity and recognition through its association with the legendary figure of Iseult of Brittany, a character from the medieval French Arthurian romance "Tristan and Iseult." In this tragic love story, Iseult of Brittany is a queen who unwittingly drinks a love potion meant for her husband, King Mark of Cornwall, intended to make her fall in love with him instead. However, the potion causes her to fall deeply in love with Tristan, her husband's nephew and knight, who was tasked with bringing her back from Ireland.
Although Iseult has been used as a female given name since at least the Middle Ages, it remained relatively uncommon until the late 20th century. Today, Iseult is still considered somewhat rare compared to other popular names but continues to be chosen by parents looking for distinctive and memorable names for their daughters.
In summary, Iseult is an enchanting Irish name that carries a cool and refreshing meaning. With its rich historical background and unique associations with the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Iseult, this captivating name offers an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Iseult experienced a very limited usage in the United States during recent years, with only five babies being named Iseult in 2016. This statistic reflects that the name is quite rare and unique within the country's population. It is important to note that this figure represents just a tiny fraction of the total births recorded in the United States for that year, which amounted to approximately four million. While the name Iseult may not be commonly chosen for newborns today, its rarity can make it an intriguing option for parents seeking a distinctive and uncommon moniker for their child.