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Izrael

Boy Name #2,587 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The Yiddish heart of a biblical name — one who wrestles with God

Jewish American Eastern European
Spiritual Bold Traditional Strong Unique

Meaning & Origin

"God prevails"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew

Things to Know About This Name

  • The standard spelling Israel carries strong geopolitical associations for some families

The Story of Izrael

Izrael is an alternative spelling of Israel, the Hebrew name Yisrael, meaning he who struggles with God or God prevails. According to Genesis, the patriarch Jacob received this name after wrestling with an angel of God. The name then became the name of the Jewish people and eventually the modern state. Izrael was a common Yiddish spelling in Eastern European Jewish communities, particularly in Poland and Russia, before the 20th century standardized the Israel spelling.

Izrael as a spelling variant is primarily found in records of Eastern European Ashkenazi Jewish families from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In contemporary use, it is rare — parents who choose it are typically seeking a connection to ancestral Jewish heritage combined with a spelling that differentiates from the geopolitical name Israel.

The name Israel is one of the most profound in Abrahamic tradition — it represents the entire Jewish people and their covenant with God. The Izrael spelling specifically echoes Yiddish and Eastern European Jewish heritage, evoking the world of the Jewish shtetl and the diaspora communities of Poland, Ukraine, and Russia.

Fun Facts

  • Jacob received the name Israel (Yisrael) in Genesis 32 after wrestling all night with an angel of God
  • Israel as a given name has been used continuously in Jewish communities for over 3,000 years
  • The spelling Izrael is found primarily in Eastern European Jewish records from the 18th and 19th centuries

Izrael in Other Languages

Arabic إسرائيل
Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל
Spanish Israel
Yiddish יִשְׂרָאֵל
Portuguese Israel

Famous People Named Izrael

I

Israela (Izraela) Margalit

Musician

1944

Celebrated Israeli concert pianist and cultural figure in Israel

I

Israel Baal Shem Tov

Religious

1700

Founder of Hasidic Judaism, one of the most influential Jewish spiritual leaders in history

J

Jacob / Israel

Religious

Biblical patriarch who received the name Israel after wrestling with God, ancestor of the twelve tribes of Israel

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#2,587
Total SSA Count
52
Cultural Origins
Jewish American Eastern European
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Common Nicknames

Izzy Iz

Pairs Well With

Izrael Joseph Izrael David Izrael Michael Izrael Samuel Izrael Aaron Izrael Benjamin

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Izrael is also used as a girl name, ranked #41575.

View Izrael as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Izrael

What does the name Izrael mean?
"God prevails" (from Hebrew). Izrael is an alternative spelling of Israel, the Hebrew name Yisrael, meaning he who struggles with God or God prevails. According to Genesis, the patriarch Jacob received this name after wrestling with an angel of God. The name then became the name of the Jewish people and eventually the modern state. Izrael was a common Yiddish spelling in Eastern European Jewish communities, particularly in Poland and Russia, before the 20th century standardized the Israel spelling.
What is the origin of the name Izrael?
Izrael has Hebrew, Jewish, American, and Eastern European origins. In Hebrew, it means "God prevails".
Is Izrael a boy or girl name?
Izrael is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2587. As a girl name, it is ranked #41575. Izrael is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Izrael?
Izrael is currently ranked #2587 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Izrael?
Common nicknames for Izrael include Izzy and Iz.
What are good middle names for Izrael?
Popular middle name pairings include Izrael Joseph, Izrael David, Izrael Michael, Izrael Samuel, Izrael Aaron, and Izrael Benjamin.
What are good sibling names for Izrael?
Names that pair well with Izrael as siblings include Ezra, Solomon, Elias, Miriam, Esther, Ruth, and Judah.
How many syllables does Izrael have?
Izrael has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Izrael a common or rare name?
Izrael is an uncommon name, ranked #2587 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Izrael

Izrael is a boy name with Jewish, American, and Eastern European origins . The name means "God prevails" in Hebrew .

Is Izrael a boy or girl name? Izrael is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,587 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,575. Izrael is more commonly used as a boy name.

Izrael is currently ranked #2,587 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Izrael has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Izrael include Izzy and Iz. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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