"God contends, God perseveres"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Yisrael
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The name of a nation — he who wrestled with God and prevailed
Jewish
Israeli
Hebrew
Traditional
Spiritual
Strong
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Yisrael
Yisrael is the original Hebrew form of the name Israel, meaning 'he who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' The name originates in the Book of Genesis, when the patriarch Jacob wrestles with a divine being through the night and is renamed Israel — 'because you have striven with beings divine and human, and have prevailed.' This moment of spiritual struggle becoming identity has made Yisrael one of the most theologically rich names in any tradition.
Yisrael has been used in Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities for millennia. It remains common in Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox communities, particularly in Israel and among diaspora Jews who prefer the authentic Hebrew pronunciation over the anglicized 'Israel,' maintaining their linguistic connection to the original.
Yisrael/Israel is the foundational name of the entire Jewish people — the twelve tribes are called Bnei Yisrael (Children of Israel). The modern State of Israel (1948) takes its name from this biblical patriarch. For Jewish families, naming a son Yisrael is a profound act of connection to 3,500 years of continuous tradition and covenant identity.
Historical Record
Yisrael first appeared in US Social Security records in 1976.
Over 1,492 babies have been named Yisrael in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yisrael is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,933 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yisrael is the original Hebrew of Israel — the name given to patriarch Jacob after his all-night wrestling match with an angel
- The name means 'he who struggles with God' — a concept central to Jewish theological identity
- Israel ben Eliezer (Baal Shem Tov), founder of Hasidic Judaism, bore this name in the 18th century
Yisrael in Other Languages
Greek
Ισραήλ
Arabic
إسرائيل
English
Israel
Spanish
Israel
Yiddish
Yisroel
Popularity Over Time
#1,933
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yisrael
I
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Musician
1959
Hawaiian singer and ukulele player whose medley of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World' became a global c...
Hawaiian singer and ukulele player whose medley of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World' became a global classic
I
Israel ben Eliezer (Baal Shem Tov)
Religious
1700
Jewish mystical rabbi who founded Hasidic Judaism in 18th-century Eastern Europe, transforming Jewish religious life
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Compare Yisrael with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,933
- Total SSA Count
- 81
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Yisra
Yissy
Eli
Izzy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yisrael
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yisrael
What does the name Yisrael mean?
"God contends, God perseveres" (from Hebrew). Yisrael is the original Hebrew form of the name Israel, meaning 'he who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' The name originates in the Book of Genesis, when the patriarch Jacob wrestles with a divine being through the night and is renamed Israel — 'because you have striven with beings divine and human, and have prevailed.' This moment of spiritual struggle becoming identity has made Yisrael one of the most theologically rich names in any tradition.
What is the origin of the name Yisrael?
Yisrael has Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "God contends, God perseveres".
Is Yisrael a boy or girl name?
Yisrael is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Yisrael?
Yisrael is currently ranked #1933 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yisrael?
Common nicknames for Yisrael include Yisra, Yissy, Eli, and Izzy.
What are good middle names for Yisrael?
Popular middle name pairings include Yisrael Avraham, Yisrael Moshe, Yisrael David, Yisrael Chaim, Yisrael Yosef, Yisrael Meir, and Yisrael Ari.
What are good sibling names for Yisrael?
Names that pair well with Yisrael as siblings include Avraham, Devorah, Rivka, Moshe, Miriam, and Shlomo.
How many syllables does Yisrael have?
Yisrael has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Yisrael a common or rare name?
Yisrael is an uncommon name, ranked #1933 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Yisrael?
Are there other spellings for Yisrael?
Related spellings include Yisroel.
About the Name Yisrael
Yisrael is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew origins . The name means "God contends, God perseveres" in Hebrew .
Yisrael is currently ranked #1,933 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yisrael has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Yisrael include Yisra, Yissy, Eli, and Izzy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Yisrael include Yisroel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis