Israel: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced IZ-rayl · 2 syllables
Israel means “kingdom/land of Israel”, from Hebrew and English and Latin.
From Middle English Israel, from Old English, borrowed from Latin Israel, from Ancient Greek (Israel), from Hebrew (yisra'el, “Israel”). In the Bible, it is said to be from the name (yisre 'el) given to Jacob in Genesis 32:29, after which his descendants came to be known as Israelites and their land as the "kingdom/land of Israel".
- Meaning
- kingdom/land of Israel
- Origin
- Hebrew, English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- IZ-rayl
- US rank (2025)
- #315
- US babies a year
- about 1,430 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2000
- Style
- Biblical
How popular is Israel?
Israel was the #315 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,123 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2000.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #315 |
| England & Wales | #588 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Israel?
Half of US adults named Israel are older than 31; most are between 19 and 66. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Israel
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Israel
What does the name Israel mean?
Israel means “kingdom/land of Israel”. It comes from Hebrew and English and Latin.
How do you pronounce Israel?
Israel is pronounced IZ-rayl.
How popular is the name Israel?
Israel was the #315 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,123 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2000.
How old are people named Israel?
Half of US adults named Israel are older than 31. Most are between 19 and 66.