Yisrael: meaning of the Hebrew name
יִשְׂרָאֵל
Pronounced yis-rah-EL
Meaning of Yisrael
Yisrael recalls the verse "for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed". It is the name Jacob received after wrestling with the angel, and it became the name of the people and the land.
And he said: ‘Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.’
וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא יַעֲקֹב יֵאָמֵר עוֹד שִׁמְךָ כִּי אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי־שָׂרִיתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁים וַתּוּכָל׃
Yisrael in Hebrew
Yisrael is written ישראל in Hebrew (with vowel points: יִשְׂרָאֵל). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- יYod
- שShin
- רResh
- אAlef
- לLamed
Gematria value: 541 (Yod 10 + Shin 300 + Resh 200 + Alef 1 + Lamed 30)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningstrove with God
- Pronunciationyis-rah-EL
- Hebrewישראל
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Yisrael ranked #12 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,016 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #12, in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | 1,016 |
| 2023 | 12 | 1,048 |
| 2022 | 12 | 1,013 |
| 2021 | 13 | 975 |
| 2020 | 13 | 945 |
| 2019 | 15 | 939 |
| 2018 | 14 | 965 |
| 2017 | 15 | 909 |
| 2016 | 14 | 896 |
| 2015 | 17 | 812 |
| 2014 | 17 | 801 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Yisrael
What does the name Yisrael mean?
Yisrael recalls the verse "for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed". It is the name Jacob received after wrestling with the angel, and it became the name of the people and the land.
How do you pronounce Yisrael?
Yisrael is pronounced yis-rah-EL in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Yisrael in Hebrew?
Yisrael is written ישראל in Hebrew (with vowel points: יִשְׂרָאֵל).
Is Yisrael a biblical name?
Yes. Yisrael appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 32:29.
How popular is the name Yisrael in Israel?
In 2024, Yisrael ranked #12 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,016 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #12, in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Yisrael?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling ישראל adds up to 541 (Yod 10 + Shin 300 + Resh 200 + Alef 1 + Lamed 30).
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This name in Hebrew: ישראל
