The name Yisrael is of Hebrew origin and has a rich history and significance behind it. It translates to "Israel" in English, which is the name given to the ancient biblical patriarch Jacob after he wrestled with an angel and was touched on the hip socket (Genesis 32:28). This name change symbolizes the beginning of the Israelite nation.
In Hebrew, the name Yisrael is composed of two parts: "yi", meaning "to strive," and "shael," meaning "with God." Therefore, the full name can be interpreted as "one who strives with God" or "wrestles with God." This interpretation reflects Jacob's struggle for divine blessing and his eventual triumph in obtaining it.
Throughout history, Yisrael has been used as a personal name and also as a national title. As a personal name, it has been borne by several prominent figures in Jewish history, including the first king of Israel, King Saul (whose original name was Shaul), and the prophet Isaiah. Additionally, the name Yisrael is often used as a nickname or short form for various Hebrew names that begin with this root, such as Yechezkel (Ezekiel) and Yeshaya (Isaiah).
The name Yisrael has also been popular among Jewish communities around the world throughout the centuries. It remains a common choice for baby boys among observant Jews today, often given in honor of family members or to reflect the parents' faith and cultural heritage.
In summary, the name Yisrael is deeply rooted in Hebrew tradition and carries significant historical and spiritual meaning. Its origins trace back to the biblical patriarch Jacob, whose struggle with divine blessing resulted in his being renamed Israel. Today, this name continues to be a symbol of Jewish identity and culture for many families around the world.
The name Yisrael has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. Between 1976 and 2023, there have been a total of 1410 births registered with this name.
Initially, the number of newborns named Yisrael varied between 5 to 12 per year from 1976 to 1999. However, starting in the year 2000, there was a noticeable rise in its popularity, with more than 30 births each year.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in 2022, with 77 newborns named Yisrael. This represents an increase of over 6 times the number of births recorded in 1999. Even considering the recent years, the popularity remains high, with 68 and 58 births registered in 2023 and 2021 respectively.
This trend suggests that the name Yisrael is now firmly established as a popular choice among parents in the United States, having gained significant traction since the early 2000s.