Surname Israel. - Meaning and Origin

Israel.: What does the surname Israel. mean?

The last name Israel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical given name, Israel. In Hebrew, the name Israel means "he who struggles with God" or "God contended". It was originally given to Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Old Testament after he wrestled with an angel (whom he recognized as God). Subsequently, it became the name of the nation descended from Jacob, thus becoming synonymous with the Jewish people. As a surname, it often denoted a Jew in non-Jewish societies or was adopted by Jews after the emancipation from ghettos and adoption of surnames in Central Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some people may hold Israel as a last name due to family connections to the country of Israel. It is widespread among people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. As with any surname, specific meanings and histories may vary for individual families.

Israel.: Where does the name Israel. come from?

The surname Israel originates from the Biblical name "Israel," which was given to Jacob, a key figure in the Old Testament, after he wrestled with an angel. The name translates from Hebrew as "struggled with God." It was traditionally a popular first name within Jewish communities, but over time it has also evolved to become a common surname.

The name Israel is common among Ashkenazi Jewish families, whose roots trace back to Central and Eastern Europe. The use of the surname likely began after Jewish communities adopted family names in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the surname Israel is most common in the United States, Israel, and Germany. In the United States, it is particularly prevalent among Jewish American communities, which includes many families with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. In Israel, the name is naturally common due to the country's majority Jewish population. In Germany, despite the impact of the Holocaust, there remains a significant Jewish community where the surname is in use. It must be noted, though, that the prevalence of the name Israel doesn't signify the religious faith or ethnic background of the bearers.

Variations of the surname Israel.

The origin of the surname Israel can be traced back to Hebrew culture, specifically referring to a biblical person named Jacob who was renamed 'Israel.' Over time, the surname has witnessed several transformations, which can be seen across different cultures and languages.

Several variations, spellings, and analogous surnames can be connected to the surname Israel. These include Israeli, Isreal, Israels, Israelsen, and Israelson, generally denoting "son of Israel" or someone from the 'house of Israel.' The ending '-son' or '-sen' is common in Scandinavian countries, while '-i' is used in many Mediterranean countries.

The surname Israel has also been Yiddishized in many cases, with versions like Yisrael, Yasrael and Ysroel. Further variations prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews are Srul, Srulik, and Issur. In Arabic-speaking countries, forms like Israil and Issrael are found.

It's also worth noting that Israel might sometimes be used as a first name in some cultures. However, the surnames mentioned above are different ways the name has been adapted across various cultures, languages, and regions around the world.

Famous people with the name Israel.

• NBA Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, known as “Lady Magic”
• American diplomat Dennis Ross, who served as special envoy for the Middle East Peace Process under President Obama
• Nataša Janjić, a Serbian filmmaker and television producer
• Moshe Sharett, the second Prime Minister of Israel
• Israeli Supreme Court Justice Jacob Turkel
• Marcello Mastroianni, the Italian screen legend
• Aviva Israel, the contemporary Israeli choreographer
• Naomi Regan, an Israeli-American fashion designer
• Israeli TV journalist and author Osnat Sela
• Comedian Gad Elmaleh, a Moroccan-born French-Jewish star
• Mally Desses, Israeli singer and actress
• Jimmy Turtletaub, an American filmmaker
• The late Israeli singer Amir Feldman
• American composer and producer David Israel
• Israel Argawal, an Indian Bollywood actor

Other surnames

Israel