Origin and Meaning of Yisrael

He who struggles with God

Origin: Hebrew - The name Yisrael is derived from the Hebrew root 's-r-l' meaning 'to struggle' or 'to contend'. It is linked to the biblical figure Jacob, who was given this name after wrestling with an angel.

• Yisrael is a significant name in Jewish tradition, representing the people of Israel as well as the Jewish nation.
• The name is commonly used in modern Israel as both a given name and surname, reflecting national identity.
• Notable bearers of the name include Yisrael Beiteinu, a political party in Israel, and various historical figures within Jewish leadership.
• In terms of popularity, Yisrael remains a traditional name among Jewish families, especially in religious contexts, but may not be as widely used as more contemporary names.
• Variations of the name include Israel (the more common English form), Yisroel, and Izzy as a nickname.