Israel

Israel

See My Baby Name List
Table of Contents
1. Israel name meaning and origin
2. Israel name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Israel
4. Best name combinations with Israel
5. Numerology of Israel name
6. Israel name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Israel
8. Names similar to Israel

1. Israel name meaning and origin

The name Israel, of ancient Hebrew origin, carries profound religious and historical significance. Derived from the Hebrew verb 'sarah' (to struggle or fight) and 'El' (God), it literally means 'one who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' This etymology reflects the biblical narrative in Genesis 32:28, where Jacob wrestles with a divine being and is subsequently renamed Israel, signifying his spiritual struggle and perseverance.

Israel's legacy extends beyond its etymology to symbolize an entire people and heritage. In biblical texts, it becomes the collective name for the descendants of Jacob (the Israelites) and later refers to the northern kingdom of the divided monarchy after Solomon's reign. The name embodies themes of covenant, spiritual persistence, and divine relationship that remain central to Jewish identity and religious tradition throughout history.

2. Israel name popularity

Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Israel
United States
United Kingdom

The name Israel, with Hebrew origins meaning "one who wrestles with God," is uncommon in both the United States and United Kingdom. While predominantly used for males, it occasionally appears as a female name in both countries. The name carries significant biblical and historical importance, as it relates to the patriarch Jacob who was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel.

Despite its rich heritage, Israel has never ranked among the top names in either country. Its usage tends to be more common in religious communities with Judeo-Christian traditions. The name maintains a steady but modest presence, perhaps due to its strong cultural and religious associations rather than following broader naming trends.

3. Variations and nicknames of Israel

The name Israel carries rich historical and religious significance, originating from Hebrew with the meaning "he who struggles with God." Throughout different cultures and languages, this ancient name has evolved into various forms. In Hebrew, the name appears as יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el), while Greek renders it as Ισραήλ (Israíl). Other linguistic variants include Izrael in Polish and Czech, Israele in Italian, and Israël in French and Dutch. Spanish-speaking regions use Israel or Izrael, while Germanic languages preserve forms close to the original, such as the German Israel. Russian speakers use Израиль (Izrail'), and Arabic speakers refer to it as إسرائيل (Isra'il). These variants demonstrate how the name has been adapted while maintaining its core identity across linguistic boundaries.

Beyond formal variants, Israel has generated numerous affectionate nicknames and diminutives. In English-speaking countries, common nicknames include Izzy, Iz, and Rael. Hebrew speakers might use Yissi or Sruli as endearing forms. The nickname Isra is occasionally used in some communities, while others might opt for Ray or Rae as shorter alternatives. In Yiddish-influenced communities, Sroel represents a traditional diminutive. The playful Izra and the simple Isy also appear as casual forms of address. Among Israeli families, Elli sometimes serves as a nickname, while Izik occasionally functions as a diminutive in certain contexts. These nicknames reflect both cultural traditions and the natural human tendency to personalize formal names, creating intimate forms of address for family and friends.

4. Best name combinations with Israel

Middle names that pair well with Israel:

  • Israel David
  • Israel Benjamin
  • Israel Solomon
  • Israel Elijah
  • Israel Nathaniel
  • Israel Abraham
  • Israel Gabriel
  • Israel Moshe
  • Israel Jonathan
  • Israel Ethan
  • Israel Zachary
  • Israel Daniel
  • Israel Joseph
  • Israel Michael
  • Israel Samuel
  • Israel Jacob
  • Israel Raphael
  • Israel Isaiah
  • Israel Ezra
  • Israel Ariel

Names that go well when Israel is used as a middle name:

  • Asher Israel
  • Levi Israel
  • Noah Israel
  • Judah Israel
  • Elias Israel
  • Caleb Israel
  • Joshua Israel
  • Adam Israel
  • Aaron Israel
  • Simon Israel
  • Matthew Israel
  • Thomas Israel
  • Alexander Israel
  • Elijah Israel
  • Isaac Israel
  • Emmanuel Israel
  • Jordan Israel
  • Nathan Israel
  • Benjamin Israel
  • Eli Israel

5. Numerology of Israel name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

9
I=9, S=1, R=9, A=1, E=5, L=3
9+1+9+1+5+3 = 28 = 2+8 = 10 = 1+0 = 1

As a Destiny Number 1, Israel carries the energy of leadership, independence, and originality. This number suggests a path of pioneering, taking initiative, and standing out from the crowd. In careers, this points toward leadership positions, entrepreneurship, or roles requiring innovation. In relationships, there may be a need for autonomy while learning to balance self-reliance with partnership.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

6
Vowels: I=9, A=1, E=5
9+1+5 = 15 = 1+5 = 6

With a Soul Urge Number 6, Israel deeply desires harmony, nurturing connections, and creating balance. This indicates an inner need to care for others and establish secure, loving relationships. Career fulfillment may come through service professions, counseling, or community work. In relationships, there's a natural inclination toward responsibility, protection, and creating a stable home environment.

Personality Number:

3
Consonants: S=1, R=9, L=3
1+9+3 = 13 = 1+3 = 4

A Personality Number 4 suggests that Israel presents as practical, reliable, and methodical to the outside world. This outer expression values structure, hard work, and trustworthiness. In professional settings, this manifests as attention to detail and dedication. In social contexts, Israel may appear dependable and organized, approaching relationships with consistency and loyalty.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Israel name in pop culture

Name
Description
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Renowned Hawaiian musician known for his medley of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World'
Israel Hands
Fictional pirate character in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel 'Treasure Island'
Israel Regardie
Character referenced in the comic book series 'Hellblazer' and influential in occult pop culture
The Israel Vibration
Jamaican reggae group formed in the 1970s known for songs like 'Strength of My Life'
Israel Bissell
Historical figure referenced in Longfellow's poem 'Paul Revere's Ride' and portrayed in various historical films and TV shows

7. Famous people named Israel

Name
Description
Israel Adesanya
Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion, known for his striking skills and dynamic fighting style
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Hawaiian musician, singer-songwriter, and sovereignty activist known for his medley of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World'
Israel Houghton
American Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter who has won multiple Grammy Awards
Israel Broussard
American actor known for his roles in 'The Bling Ring' and Netflix's 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' film series
Israel Folau
Tongan-Australian professional rugby player who has represented Australia in rugby union and rugby league
Israel Kirzner
British-born American economist and one of the leading scholars in the Austrian School of Economics
Israel Regardie
Notable occultist, writer, and former secretary to Aleister Crowley known for his books on magic and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Israel Finkelstein
Israeli archaeologist and academic, known for his work on the archaeology of Israel in the Bronze and Iron Ages
Israel Idonije
Nigerian-Canadian former professional NFL player who spent most of his career with the Chicago Bears
Israel Keyes
American serial killer who committed multiple kidnappings and murders across the United States between 2001 and 2012

8. Names similar to Israel

Baby Name Generator

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for
  • Boy
  • Girl
  • Both
names with the
, starting with
and ending with
with
syllables.
I like names that mean
and are
  • Any theme
  • Biblical
  • Classic
  • Color-inspired
  • Cool and creative
  • Disney characters
  • Elegant
  • Flowers
  • Gender-neutral
  • Hipster
  • Musical
  • Mythology
  • Nature
  • Old-fashioned
  • Places
  • Popular-namealternatives
  • Shakespeare
  • Short and sweet
  • Southern
  • Uniqu
  • Wild West
names.
Show me names of
  • Any origin
  • African
  • African American
  • American
  • American Indian
  • British
  • Arabic
  • Aramaic
  • Armenian
  • Basque
  • Celtic
  • Chechen
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • Egyptian
  • English
  • Eritrean
  • Filipino
  • French
  • Gaelic
  • German
  • Ghanaian
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hindu
  • Hungarian
  • Indian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Maori
  • Muslim
  • Native American
  • Nigerian
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Polynesian
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Sanskrit
  • Scandinavian
  • Scottish
  • Slavic
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Teutonic
  • Tongan
  • Turkish
  • Ugandan
  • Vietnamese
  • Welsh
  • Yoruban
Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Popularity All names
All names
Show top 50
Show top 100
Exclude top 50
Exclude top 100
Sort by Most popular
Most popular
A to Z
Z to A
Table of Contents
1. Israel name meaning and origin
2. Israel name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Israel
4. Best name combinations with Israel
5. Numerology of Israel name
6. Israel name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Israel
8. Names similar to Israel