Behind the Name
the etymology and history of first names
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View Name: Israel


ISRAEL
GENDER: Masculine
USAGE: Jewish, English, Biblical, Biblical Greek
OTHER SCRIPTS: יִשְׂרָאֵל (Hebrew), Ισραηλ (Ancient Greek)
PRONOUNCED: IZ-ray-əl (English), IZ-ree-əl (English)   [key]
Meaning & History
From the Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) meaning "God contended". In the Old Testament Israel (who was formerly named Jacob; see Genesis 32:28) wrestles with an angel. The ancient and modern states of Israel took their names from him.
Related Names
VARIANTS: Iser, Issur, Sroel (Yiddish), Yisra'el (Hebrew)
DIMINUTIVES: Izzy, Issy (English)
OTHER LANGUAGES: Yisra'el (Biblical Hebrew), Israhel (Biblical Latin)
Popularity
United States  ranked #220 


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