"my God is a vow"
Origin: Hebrew via Germanic
Language: German
Liesl
The charming Sound of Music name with Alpine roots
German
Austrian
Swiss
Vintage
Whimsical
Literary
Elegant
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"my God is abundance"
Origin: Hebrew Elisheba
Language: German
The Story of Liesl
Liesl is a diminutive form of Elisabeth, itself derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning my God is a vow or my God is abundance. The diminutive suffix -sl is characteristic of Austrian and Bavarian German, giving the name its distinctive Alpine charm. It has been used in German-speaking regions for centuries as an affectionate short form of Elisabeth.
Liesl became internationally recognized through the 1965 film The Sound of Music, where it was the name of the oldest Von Trapp daughter. The iconic song Sixteen Going on Seventeen made Liesl a beloved cultural touchstone worldwide.
In Austria and Bavaria, Liesl represents the quintessential Alpine name — warm, folk-traditional, and deeply rooted in the region's cultural identity, evoking the Austrian countryside and traditional family life.
Fun Facts
- Liesl was the name of the eldest Von Trapp daughter in The Sound of Music (1965)
- The name is a diminutive form of Elisabeth, one of the most common names in Christian history
- In Austria, Liesl remains in use as both a formal name and nickname
Liesl in Other Languages
French
Elisabeth
German
Liesl
Italian
Elisabetta
Spanish
Isabel
Hebrew origin
Elisheba
Popularity Over Time
#5,780
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1966
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Liesl
L
Liesl Tommy
Other
1977
South African-American theater and film director, first Black woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Direction of a P...
South African-American theater and film director, first Black woman nominated for a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play
L
Liesl Von Trapp Fictional
Other
Eldest daughter of the Von Trapp family in the musical The Sound of Music, portrayed by Charmian Carr in the 1965 film
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,780
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- German Austrian Swiss
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Lee
Liesie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, vintage style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (German)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Liesl
What does the name Liesl mean?
"my God is a vow" (from Hebrew via Germanic). "my God is abundance" (from Hebrew Elisheba). Liesl is a diminutive form of Elisabeth, itself derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning my God is a vow or my God is abundance. The diminutive suffix -sl is characteristic of Austrian and Bavarian German, giving the name its distinctive Alpine charm. It has been used in German-speaking regions for centuries as an affectionate short form of Elisabeth.
What is the origin of the name Liesl?
Liesl has Hebrew via Germanic, Hebrew Elisheba, German, Austrian, and Swiss origins. In Hebrew via Germanic, it means "my God is a vow". In Hebrew Elisheba, it means "my God is abundance".
Is Liesl a boy or girl name?
Liesl is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Liesl?
Liesl is currently ranked #5780 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Liesl?
Common nicknames for Liesl include Lee and Liesie.
What are good middle names for Liesl?
Popular middle name pairings include Liesl Marie, Liesl Rose, Liesl Grace, Liesl Elisabeth, Liesl Anna, Liesl Helene, and Liesl Clara.
What are good sibling names for Liesl?
Names that pair well with Liesl as siblings include Gretl, Brigitta, Friedrich, Kurt, Louisa, and Marta.
How many syllables does Liesl have?
Liesl has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Liesl a common or rare name?
Liesl is an uncommon name, ranked #5780 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Liesl
Liesl is a girl name with German, Austrian, and Swiss origins . The name means "my God is a vow" in Hebrew via Germanic .
Liesl is currently ranked #5,780 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Liesl has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Liesl include Lee and Liesie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.