"my God is an oath"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Liesel
Does Liesel flow with your last name?
A classic German gem meaning God's eternal promise
German
Austrian
Swiss
Dutch
Vintage
Literary
Whimsical
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"pledged to God"
Origin: German/Hebrew
Language: German
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The Story of Liesel
Liesel is a German and Austrian diminutive of Elisabeth (or Elizabeth), which comes from the Hebrew 'Elisheba' meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'God is abundance.' Elisabeth traveled through Greek (Elisavet) and Latin (Elisabeth) into German, where it spawned numerous pet forms: Liesl, Liesel, Elise, Lisa, and Bettina. The name carries over a millennium of use in Christian Europe, borne by queens, saints, and empresses.
Liesel gained particular recognition outside German-speaking countries through 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak (2005), a beloved novel set in Nazi Germany whose protagonist is young Liesel Meminger. The book's worldwide success introduced this classic German name to new audiences who fell in love with the brave, book-loving character.
In Austria and Bavaria, Liesel is a traditional diminutive that evokes Alpine culture, dirndls, and the warm familiarity of rural German life. In Sound of Music terms, it's quintessentially Austrian — Liesl von Trapp is one of the most famous fictional bearers, though the 'e' in Liesel gives it a slight distinction from that spelling.
Historical Record
Liesel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1954.
Over 1,213 babies have been named Liesel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Liesel is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,769 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Liesel Meminger is the protagonist of Markus Zusak's internationally acclaimed novel The Book Thief
- Liesl von Trapp is the eldest daughter in The Sound of Music
- Elisabeth/Liesel was the name of Empress Elisabeth of Austria ('Sisi'), one of the most famous women of the 19th century
Liesel in Other Languages
Dutch
Lies
Greek
Ελισάβετ
German
Liesel/Liesl
Hebrew
אלישבע
Austrian
Liesl
Popularity Over Time
#5,769
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Liesel
E
Empress Elisabeth of Austria
Royalty
1837
Known as Sisi, the beloved Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, famous for her beauty and independence
L
Liesel Meminger Fictional
Other
The brave young protagonist of Markus Zusak's novel The Book Thief (2005), set in Nazi Germany
L
Liesl von Trapp Fictional
Other
The eldest Von Trapp daughter in The Sound of Music, first played by Charmian Carr in the 1965 film
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,769
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- German Austrian Swiss Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Liesel
Lise
Lis
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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Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Liesel
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Liesel
What does the name Liesel mean?
"my God is an oath" (from Hebrew). "pledged to God" (from German/Hebrew). Liesel is a German and Austrian diminutive of Elisabeth (or Elizabeth), which comes from the Hebrew 'Elisheba' meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'God is abundance.' Elisabeth traveled through Greek (Elisavet) and Latin (Elisabeth) into German, where it spawned numerous pet forms: Liesl, Liesel, Elise, Lisa, and Bettina. The name carries over a millennium of use in Christian Europe, borne by queens, saints, and empresses.
What is the origin of the name Liesel?
Liesel has Hebrew, German/Hebrew, German, Austrian, Swiss, and Dutch origins. In Hebrew, it means "my God is an oath". In German/Hebrew, it means "pledged to God".
Is Liesel a boy or girl name?
Liesel is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Liesel?
Liesel is currently ranked #5769 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Liesel?
Common nicknames for Liesel include Liesel, Lise, and Lis.
What are good middle names for Liesel?
Popular middle name pairings include Liesel Marie, Liesel Johanna, Liesel Sophie, Liesel Anna, Liesel Rosa, and Liesel Clara.
What are good sibling names for Liesel?
Names that pair well with Liesel as siblings include Gretel, Ansel, Heidi, Wolfgang, Klaus, and Britta.
How many syllables does Liesel have?
Liesel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Liesel a common or rare name?
Liesel is an uncommon name, ranked #5769 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Liesel
Liesel is a girl name with German, Austrian, Swiss, and Dutch origins . The name means "my God is an oath" in Hebrew .
Liesel is currently ranked #5,769 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Liesel has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Liesel include Liesel, Lise, and Lis. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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