Gisela Girl

Popularity: #911 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: GEE-zuh-lah //ˈɡɪz.ə.lə//

Origin: German; Spanish

Meaning: German: pledge; Spanish: devoted

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gisela has its roots in the Germanic language, derived from the Old High German name "Gisil" which means "pledge" or "hostage." The name evolved through various forms, including the Middle High German "Gisel" and eventually became Gisela in modern usage. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Germanic tribes and their interactions with the Anglo-Saxons, particularly during the early medieval period when many Germanic names were adopted into English culture.

Historically, Gisela has been borne by several notable figures, including Gisela of Bavaria, who lived in the 10th century and was the daughter of Duke Otto I of Bavaria. She is remembered for her piety and her role in the Christianization of the region.

Another significant figure is Gisela of Hungary, who was a princess in the 11th century and became a saint in the Catholic Church, further solidifying the name's association with nobility and religious devotion. The name also appears in various historical texts and documents, reflecting its usage among the nobility and clergy throughout the Middle Ages.

Culturally, Gisela has been associated with themes of loyalty and commitment, stemming from its etymological meaning of "pledge." This connection has contributed to its endurance in various cultures, particularly in German-speaking regions. The name has also inspired diminutive forms such as Gisi, which have been used affectionately.

Overall, Gisela carries a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting both its linguistic origins and the notable individuals who have borne the name throughout history.

Famous people named Gisela

In this section, you will find notable people named Gisela. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Gisela who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Gisela who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Gisela Lladó is a Spanish artist best known for her contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Gisela Pulido is a Spanish professional kitesurfer best known for multiple world championships in freestyle kitesurfing.

Gisela Kallenbach is a German environmentalist best known for her work in sustainable development and conservation.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Gisela, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

GabrielaGretaGinaGiselleGretchenGloria

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Gisela. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

IsabellaAnastasiaSelenaMarinaElenaAmaraSabrinaLila

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gisela was first seen in the United States in 1915.

Gisela has ranked as high as #1935 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Gisela has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Gisela is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Gisela was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Gisela.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 37 37
2024 33 33
2023 40 40
2022 34 34
2021 30 30
2020 38 38
2019 33 33
2018 41 41
2017 41 41
2016 46 46
2015 51 51
2014 41 41
2013 42 42
2012 56 56
2011 61 61
2010 68 68
2009 56 56
2008 83 83
2007 81 81
2006 102 102
2005 114 114
2004 115 115
2003 118 118
2002 81 81
2001 85 85
2000 74 74
1999 79 79
1998 103 103
1997 77 77
1996 98 98
1995 160 160
1994 102 102
1993 72 72
1992 64 64
1991 59 59
1990 87 87
1989 46 46
1988 59 59
1987 38 38
1986 48 48
1985 56 56
1984 37 37
1983 45 45
1982 47 47
1981 73 73
1980 62 62
1979 75 75
1978 83 83
1977 75 75
1976 85 85
1975 98 98
1974 77 77
1973 38 38
1972 46 46
1971 40 40
1970 29 29
1969 34 34
1968 26 26
1967 35 35
1966 35 35
1965 35 35
1964 36 36
1963 36 36
1962 36 36
1961 26 26
1960 33 33
1959 34 34
1958 32 32
1957 19 19
1956 12 12
1955 15 15
1954 14 14
1953 9 9
1952 5 5
1948 6 6
1947 10 10
1941 5 5
1937 5 5
1936 5 5
1932 6 6
1931 8 8
1930 8 8
1929 10 10
1928 9 9
1927 6 6
1926 5 5
1925 6 6
1923 6 6
1922 5 5
1918 5 5
1917 5 5
1915 5 5

Top States for Gisela (2023)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
TX 8
100%