The name Giselle is of French origin and it has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Germanic elements "GISIL" which means "pledge" or "hostage", and "HILD" which means "battle". Therefore, the name Giselle translates to "pledged for battle".
Giselle was popularized by the German Romantic era, particularly through the ballet "Giselle", created by French choreographer Jean Coralli and Adolphe Adam in 1841. The story revolves around a young peasant girl named Giselle who is betrothed to a nobleman but falls in love with a handsome stranger who turns out to be engaged elsewhere. Tragically, she dies of grief but returns as a ghost to protect her lover from harm.
The name has also been featured in other works such as "Giselle's Lover" by Scottish poet Sir Walter Scott and "La Gioconda" by French playwright Victorien Sardou.
Throughout history, the name Giselle has been associated with elegance, grace, and a touch of mystery due to its connection to the ballet. It is often favored for its unique sound and its rich historical background, making it a popular choice among parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Gissele experienced a peak in popularity between 1998 and 2004 with the highest number of births recorded in 2003 and 2004 at 42 each, totaling over half a decade's worth of births (566) across the span of thirty years.