Surname Israel - Meaning and Origin

A Rollercoaster of Emotions: My iGENEA DNA Test Journey and the Re-Imagining of my 'Israel' Family Heritage

Unearthing one's ancestral heritage using the iGENEA DNA test evokes complex emotions. The discovery when directed towards the surname 'Israel' redefines family connections and instills a deep sense of ancestral pride. The journey through the test results reveals unimaginable depths of one's lineage, reshaping personal identity and evoking a profound sense of self-discovery.

Y. Israel

Israel: What does the surname Israel mean?

The last name Israel derives from a biblical context, originating from a Hebrew name "Yisrael". The exact meaning of "Yisrael" is a topic of debate among scholars, but it is commonly translated as "God contended" or "one who struggles with God". The name was first given to Jacob, a patriarch in the Old Testament, after he wrestled with an angel. It was then passed on to his descendants, referring to both the people and the country. As a surname, "Israel" can indicate Jewish ancestry or could have been adopted by someone who converted to Judaism. Over time, the surname has been adopted by individuals and families in many different cultures and not strictly those of Jewish descent. Given the widespread diaspora of Jewish people historically, you will find people with the last name Israel all over the world. Therefore, while the name has religious origins, it is not entirely indicative of faith or ethnicity in today's context.

Israel: Where does the name Israel come from?

The surname Israel is of Hebrew origin, and it's derived from a biblical name, "Yisrael". In the Old Testament, the patriarch Jacob was given the name Israel by God after he wrestled with an angel. Israel translates to "he who struggles/wrestles with God."

The name has been used as both a first and last name by Jews since ancient times. Following the diaspora, the surname became more widespread among Jews living in different parts of the world.

Today, the surname Israel is common in various countries with substantial Jewish populations, including Israel itself, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia among others. In non-Jewish contexts, the surname can also be found in nations like Germany and the Netherlands.

In addition, due to historical migrations and converts to Judaism, the surname is also found in non-traditional locations like Africa (particularly among people from the Lemba tribe who claim Jewish descent), as well as among some people of Hispanic background, especially in Latin America where it could have been adopted by crypto-Jews during the Spanish Inquisition.

Variations of the surname Israel

The surname Israel originates from the Hebrew name Yisrael, meaning "God has striven" or "a prince with God". This name is significant in biblical times as it was given to Jacob after his struggle with an angel. Over the centuries, it transformed into various spellings based on regional language differences, immigration, and assimilation.

Some common variants and spellings of the surname Israel include Yisrael, Israels, Israelsen, Yisroel, Isreal, Izreal, and Ezreal. Variations like Israeli, Israelite, Israelson, and Israelsson are also found, indicating a familial connection - son of Israel.

Sometimes, assimilation or a desire for an easily pronounceable name led to transformations like Isler, Isroel, Ezra, or even completely unrelated-sounding surnames. The surname Isaacs may also be related, originating from "Isaac" which means "son of Israel".

In Eastern European or Yiddish-speaking contexts, spellings like Ysrul, Srul, or Sruli and the feminized variants Ysrula or Srula are common.

Remember, the connection between these variants can often only be established through genealogical research, as many unrelated families may have adopted similar sounding names due to cultural or linguistic assimilation.

Famous people with the name Israel

• Samantha Israel: TV Producer
• Avi Israel: American Actor
• Joe Israel: American Actor
• Daniel Israel: Academic
• Emily Israel: Voice Actor
• Lauren Israel: EDTech Entrepreneur
• Yaacov Israel: Israeli Painter
• Savinia Israel: Singer, Songwriter & Performer
• Matthew Israel: Hollywood Stuntman & Professional Wrestler
• Melly Israel: Director & Cinematographer

Other surnames

Israel.