Giselle
Pledge, hostage — a girl name of French, Germanic origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Giselle
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.
Giselle 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.
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
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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.
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