Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Liesel
GirlGerman, Hebrew· “pet form of Elisabeth; God is my oath”
- Meaning
- pet form of Elisabeth; God is my oath
- Origin
- German, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LEE-zul
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,830
- US babies 2025
- 28
- Best rank
- #2,796 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Liesel
Liesel is a German and Hebrew name that means “pet form of Elisabeth; God is my oath”.
Liesel is a German pet form of Elisabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba, God is my oath. The -el ending is a diminutive in southern German dialects, making it an affectionate, everyday form. The name is familiar to readers of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, where Liesel Meminger is the central character. It is said LEE-zul. It resembles Liesl, the eldest daughter in The Sound of Music, and the two spellings are often confused. Liesel has an extra e, which makes it slightly easier for English readers to pronounce at first sight.
Popularity over time
Liesel first appears in US Social Security records in 1954. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,796 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 63 babies. In 2025, 28 babies were named Liesel, and it ranked #4,830 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,415 in 1980, #8,917 in 2000, #5,893 in 2010, and #4,830 in 2025. Of the 1,241 US girls named Liesel since records began, 32% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 210 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Molli, Ameya, Skylyn, Dia, and Alynna.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Liesel is usually pronounced LEE-zul, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Liesel
A few middle names that flow with Liesel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Liesel
Similar names
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Lists that include Liesel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liesel mean?
Liesel is a German and Hebrew name that means “pet form of Elisabeth; God is my oath”.
What is the origin of the name Liesel?
Liesel has German and Hebrew roots. Liesel is a German pet form of Elisabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba, God is my oath.
Is Liesel a popular name?
Not especially. Liesel ranked #4,830 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Liesel a boy or girl name?
Liesel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Liesel?
Liesel is usually pronounced LEE-zul. 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