ישראל
Meaning of the name ישראל
Israel is one of the most central and significant names in Jewish culture and Hebrew tradition. The name carries profound historical, spiritual, and national meanings that span thousands of years. Its origin lies in the Bible, when it was given to Jacob the Patriarch after a dramatic and formative event - wrestling with an angel on the banks of the Jabbok River. According to the biblical verse, the name means "for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed," combining the root "sarah" (to struggle, to contend) with the word "El" (God). This meaning expresses inner strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges both on a spiritual and human level. The name Israel became the collective name for the entire Jewish people, thus carrying a unique national significance. It symbolizes Jewish identity, the connection to the Land of Israel, and the shared tradition of the Jewish people throughout generations. In modern times, the name gained additional meaning with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, when it became the official name of the renewed Jewish state. Choosing the name Israel for a child expresses a deep connection to Jewish heritage, national pride, and affinity for values of perseverance, courage, and faith. The name carries the full weight of Jewish history and serves as a bridge between the glorious past and the present and future. From a cultural and social perspective, the name Israel was very common among Jews in all diaspora communities, especially among traditional and religious communities. In modern Israel, the name carries special significance and is inseparably linked to Israeli and Zionist identity. Many choose this name to give their children a name with deep meaning, a name that connects them to their roots and heritage. The name expresses values of courage, faith, perseverance, and loyalty to the people and the land. Additionally, the name Israel appears in many sources as symbolizing the spiritual and moral struggle of man to elevate himself and draw closer to God, making it a name with special spiritual depth.
The name ישראל with vowels
יִשְׂרָאֵל
The name ישראל in English
Israel | Yisrael
ישראל is mainly suitable for
Boy
Is the name ישראל considered international
No
Origin of the name ישראל from the Bible
Genesis 32:29 - And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed
Origin of the name ישראל from Kabbalah
In Kabbalah, the name Israel carries deep spiritual significance and represents the Jewish soul in its entirety. The name is composed of the letters Yesh-R-El, symbolizing righteousness and direct connection with the Creator. Kabbalah views the name Israel as an expression of the elevated spiritual status of the Jewish people and their unique destiny in the world. The name contains within it the power to withstand spiritual trials and overcome obstacles, similar to Jacob who wrestled with the angel. Additionally, the gematria of Israel (541) equals the gematria of "Yishrei El" - those who are upright before God.
Gematria value for the name ישראל
541
=
10
י
+
300
ש
+
200
ר
+
1
א
+
30
ל
Numerology value for the name ישראל
1
=
10
י
+
300
ש
+
200
ר
+
1
א
+
30
ל
=
541
=
5
+
4
+
1
=
10
=
1
+
0
=
1
Famous people named ישראל
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (musician) | Israel Broussard (actor) | Israel Adesanya (MMA fighter) | Israel Houghton (gospel singer) | Israel Horovitz (playwright) | Israel Regardie (occultist) | Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (Hawaiian musician)
Total times the name ישראל was registered
33322 times
Graph of the name ישראל
* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022