Israel: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Israel mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: He who struggles with God

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Israel is pronounced iz-ree-uhl

The name Israel has a significant biblical origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yisra'el, which means "he who struggles with God." It is famously associated with the Biblical patriarch Jacob, who was given this name after he wrestled with an angel of God. The name has a strong cultural and religious heritage, making it a meaningful choice for many families.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Jewish: from the Hebrew male personal name Yisrael "fighter of God." In the Bible this is a byname bestowed on Jacob after he had wrestled with the angel at the ford of Jabbok (Genesis 32:24–8). The name was adopted by Jews with reference to the ancient Kingdom of Israel, destroyed by the Assyrians in 721 B.C., or to the concept of Jewish nationhood, or, in modern times, to the state of Israel.

Welsh: comparatively recent adoption of the Biblical name in Britain among Nonconformists, especially in Wales, an altered form of Ezell.

Israel in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Israel Hands from Treasure Island - A character who is a pirate and one of Long John Silver's crew members.
Israel Putnam from Liberty's Kids - A general in the American Revolutionary War, depicted in this animated series.
Israel Hale from Z Nation - A character who is a former National Guard member and survivor in the zombie apocalypse series.
Israel Matseke-Zulu from iNumber Number - A character and an actor who also plays significant roles in South African cinema.
Israel Wright from Get Hard - A character portrayed by Tip 'T.I.' Harris in this comedy film.

Popularity of the Name Israel

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Israel has seen moderate popularity in the U.S., often ranking within the top 500 names for boys. The name Israel is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, named after the patriarch Jacob, who was later named Israel in the Hebrew Bible. Historically, it carries significant religious and cultural weight, particularly within Jewish and Christian communities.

Notable individuals named Israel include Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the renowned Hawaiian musician known for his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." In literature, Israel Zangwill was a prominent British author and playwright. Fictionally, the name Israel appears in the character Israel Hands from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island. Additionally, the name has been used in various television series and movies, contributing to its continued presence in popular culture.