Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Giselle
GirlFrench, Germanic· “pledge”
- Meaning
- pledge
- Origin
- French, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- jih-ZEL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #382
- US babies 2025
- 803
- Best rank
- #134 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Giselle
Giselle is a French and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “pledge”.
Giselle comes from the Germanic element gisil, usually interpreted as pledge or hostage, a reference to the old custom of noble children being exchanged to seal agreements. The name was used in the Frankish royal family in early medieval times. It became widely known through the romantic ballet Giselle, first performed in Paris in the nineteenth century, whose heroine is a young peasant girl. The name feels graceful and refined, with a French flair. Spellings such as Gisele and Gisselle are also used.
Popularity over time
Giselle first appears in US Social Security records in 1949. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 43 different years, starting in 1983. Its best national rank was #134 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,596 babies. In 2025, 803 babies were named Giselle, and it ranked #382 nationally. That is 46% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,184 in 1980, #212 in 2000, #147 in 2010, and #382 in 2025. Of the 50,186 US girls named Giselle since records began, 39% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 15,187 babies. Since 2010, 20,442 more have been named Giselle.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kate, Miley, Alana, Laila, and Kylee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Giselle ranked highest in New Mexico, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #150 | 10 |
| California | #215 | 154 |
| Texas | #227 | 153 |
| Nevada | #247 | 11 |
| New Jersey | #266 | 31 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Giselle is usually pronounced jih-ZEL, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-le”.
Middle names for Giselle
A few middle names that flow with Giselle: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Giselle
Similar names
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Lists that include Giselle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Giselle mean?
Giselle is a French and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “pledge”.
What is the origin of the name Giselle?
Giselle has French and Germanic roots. Giselle comes from the Germanic element gisil, usually interpreted as pledge or hostage, a reference to the old custom of noble children being exchanged to seal agreements.
Is Giselle a popular name?
Yes. Giselle ranked #382 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Giselle a boy or girl name?
Giselle is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Giselle?
Giselle is usually pronounced jih-ZEL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings