Giselle
Giselle is a girl name of French, Germanic origin meaning “Pledge, hostage”, pronounced jih-ZEL. It ranked #382 in the United States in 2025, given to 803 babies, and peaked at #134 in 2007. Common nicknames: Gigi, Elle, Zellie.
How popular is Giselle in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Giselle mean, and where does it come from?
Giselle derives from the Germanic element "gisil" meaning "pledge" or "hostage," which in the medieval context referred to a noble child given to a foreign court as a guarantee of peace between two nations. The name was immortalized by the romantic ballet Giselle, first performed in Paris in 1841, which tells the story of a peasant girl who dies of heartbreak and becomes a protective spirit. Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen brought global glamour to the name in the 21st century. Giselle combines a delicate French sophistication with its dramatic ballet heritage, making it one of the most evocative and elegant names available.
How is Giselle used around the world?
Giselle is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Giselle?
Famous People Named Giselle
- Gisele Bundchen — Brazilian supermodel
- Giselle — protagonist of the famous 1841 Romantic ballet
- Gisella Perl — Hungarian-Jewish gynecologist and Holocaust survivor
Similar Names to Giselle
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Sibling Name Ideas for Giselle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Giselle mean?
Giselle is a girl name of French, Germanic origin meaning "Pledge, hostage." Giselle derives from the Germanic element "gisil" meaning "pledge" or "hostage," which in the medieval context referred to a noble child given to a foreign court as a guarantee of peace between two nations. The name was immortalized by the romantic ballet Giselle, first performed in Paris in 1841, which tells the story of a peasant girl who dies of heartbreak and becomes a protective spirit.
How do you pronounce Giselle?
Giselle is pronounced jih-ZEL. Common variations include Gisele, Gisela, Gizelle.
Is Giselle a girl name?
Yes, Giselle is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Gigi, Elle, Zellie.