Gisela
Meaning of Gisela
The name Gisela is a beautiful and elegant choice for a baby girl, with deep historical roots and international appeal. Originating from the Old German word "gisil," meaning "pledge" or "hostage," Gisela has been embraced by various cultures over the centuries. In German, it is pronounced as gee-ZAY-lah (/ɡiˈzeː.la/), while in Spanish-speaking countries, it is pronounced as hee-SEH-lah (/xiˈse.la/). The name has several variations, including Giselle and Gisella, which add to its versatility. Although not extremely common in the United States, Gisela has maintained a steady presence, with occurrences fluctuating modestly over the years. It reached its peak popularity in 1995 when it ranked 1106th with 160 occurrences. This name carries an aura of sophistication and timelessness, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that is both unique and rich in heritage.
Pronunciation
German
- Pronunced as gee-ZAY-lah (/ɡiˈzeː.la/)
Spanish
- Pronunced as hee-SEH-lah (/xiˈse.la/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Gisela
| Gisela of Swabia was a queen and empress of the Holy Roman Empire, known for her regency and as the mother of Emperor Henry III. |
| Gisela Stuart, Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston, is a British-German politician and life peer who served as Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston from 1997 to 2017 and now sits as a crossbencher in the House of Lords. |
| Gisela Elisabeth Bulla was a German archaeologist, author, and politician known for her work on domestic animals and her role as the federal chairwoman of the Human Environment Animal Protection. |
| Gisela of Burgundy, a prominent member of the royal Elder House of Welf, served as Duchess of Bavaria and was the mother of Emperor Henry II. |
| Gisela of Hungary, the first queen consort of Hungary and sister of Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor, was beatified by the Catholic Church. |
| Gisela Karau was an East German journalist and author of children's literature, born in Berlin, who was married and had two children. |
| Gisela Forster is a German writer, teacher, and Catholic theologian. |
| Gisela Uhlen was a German film actress and occasional screenwriter. |
| Gisela Ponce de León Franco is a Peruvian actress, singer, and former child actor known for her work in film, television, and stage productions. |
| Gisela Fullà-Silvestre, also known as NOIA, is a Brooklyn-based musician and sound designer with two released EPs. |
| Gisela May was a German actress and singer. |
| Gisela Necker was an influential lesbian activist in Berlin from the 1970s, co-founding the first lesbian group and later contributing to the establishment of the Berlin women's center and the Lesbian Action Centre. |
| Gisela Oeri - Gisela "Gigi" Oeri is a Swiss-German football chairwoman and philanthropist known for her leadership at FC Basel. |
| Gisela of France, Countess of Ponthieu - Gisèle of France, daughter of Hugh Capet and Adelaide of Aquitaine, married Count Hugh I of Ponthieu around 994 and had several children with him. |
