Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Israel
BoyHebrew· “God contends”
- Meaning
- God contends
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- IZ-ree-uhl
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #315
- US babies 2025
- 1,081
- Best rank
- #202 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Israel
Israel is a Hebrew name that means “God contends”.
Israel is a Hebrew name usually understood as God contends or he who struggles with God. In the Book of Genesis it is the new name given to Jacob after he wrestles through the night with a mysterious being. His descendants became the Israelites, and the name later belonged to an ancient kingdom and to the modern state. As a first name, Israel has long been used among Jewish families and is also common in Hispanic communities, where it is said ees-rah-EL. It is a name with deep historical roots, and Izzy is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Israel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #202 in 2006, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 1,937 were named Israel. In 2025, 1,081 babies were named Israel, and it ranked #315 nationally. That is 32% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #525 in 1920, #567 in 1950, #301 in 1980, #244 in 2000, #220 in 2010, and #315 in 2025. Of the 71,237 US boys named Israel since records began, 23% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 15,775 babies. Since 2010, 24,208 more have been named Israel.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Landen, Keegan, Rafael, Damien, and Josue.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Israel ranked highest in New Mexico, Texas, and Hawaii.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #168 | 12 |
| Texas | #181 | 205 |
| Hawaii | #189 | 6 |
| California | #195 | 188 |
| Arizona | #216 | 39 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Israel over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Israel is usually pronounced IZ-ree-uhl, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with I and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Israel
A few middle names that flow with Israel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Israel
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Lists that include Israel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Israel mean?
Israel is a Hebrew name that means “God contends”.
What is the origin of the name Israel?
Israel has Hebrew roots. Israel is a Hebrew name usually understood as God contends or he who struggles with God.
Is Israel a popular name?
Yes. Israel ranked #315 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Israel a boy or girl name?
Israel is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Israel over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Israel?
Israel is usually pronounced IZ-ree-uhl. 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