Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gisselle

Giselle and Gisselle are both variant spellings of the French female name Gisѐle which comes from the Germanic word “gisíl” meaning “pledge”. The name is thought to be derived from the medieval practice of leaving children in foreign courts to be brought up as “pledges” for an alliance. Gisѐle was the wife of Duke Rollo (Rolf) of Normandy in the 10th century. Rollo was a Viking leader to whom the lands of Normandy were granted by France’s King Charles III under the provisions of a treaty after Rollo’s defeat in Paris. Gisѐle, the king’s daughter, was also part of the compromise and given over to Rollo as his bride. Another example of a marital “pledge”, we guess! In any case, it is on her account that the name Gisѐle became so popular in medieval France. The Normans would have brought the name to England during the 1066 Conquest; however, it appears that the popularity of the 1841 ballet “Giselle” had more influence in the English-speaking world in terms of the name’s modern usage. Gisselle is a newly coined spelling used almost exclusively by Americans.

All About the Baby Name – Gisselle

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME GISSELLE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME GISSELLE

Ironically, the classic French spelling of Gisѐle isn’t even on the American female naming charts anymore (she disappeared in 1960). But Giselle and Gisselle are. Giselle (with one “s”) owes her popularity in the United States to the Spanish speaking population; and the name probably garnered some cross-over appeal due to the ϋber-celebrity fame of supermodel Gisele Bündchen (of German-Brazilian descent). Giselle is now a relatively popular name in the United States, and as her star began to rise on the charts, some clever parents out there decided, “hey, wait, I think I’ll add another “s” to this name and fancy it up a bit!” It seems arbitrary and a little flamboyant but some parents prefer their names that way (and it’s usually American parents rather than those in other English-speaking countries). If you’re a traditionalist and/or a minimalist you should consider sticking with Gisele. But if you like to show off a bit, Gisselle may work better for you. Then again, maybe you should consider Ggiisseellee?

Quick Facts

ON GISSELLE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

980

PRONUNCIATION:

ji-ZEL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pledge

Characteristics

OF GISSELLE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gisselle

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GISSELLE

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GISSELLE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gisselle


Popular Songs

ON GISSELLE

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Famous People

NAMED GISSELLE

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Children of Famous People

NAMED GISSELLE

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Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GISSELLE

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