Yisrael

Boy Name #1,933 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The name of a nation — he who wrestled with God and prevailed

Jewish Israeli Hebrew

Traditional Spiritual Strong Classic

Meaning & Origin

"God contends, God perseveres"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

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.

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

Famous People Named Yisrael

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

Israel ben Eliezer (Baal Shem Tov)

Religious

1700

Jewish mystical rabbi who founded Hasidic Judaism in 18th-century Eastern Europe, transforming Jewish religious life

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

Yisroel #952

Common Nicknames

Yisra Yissy Eli Izzy

Pairs Well With

Yisrael Avraham Yisrael Moshe Yisrael David Yisrael Chaim Yisrael Yosef Yisrael Meir Yisrael Ari

Sibling Names

Avraham Devorah Rivka Moshe Miriam Shlomo

Similar Names

Isreal Ishmael Yisroel Jeriel Osiel Azriel Asael Abdiel

Playground Safety

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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.

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.