Meaning: Its source is Yisrael, a Hebrew name meaning "Struggles with God."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Hebrew, English and Spanish.

Nicknames: Izzy and Izzie

Variant Forms: Isreal

Non-English Forms: Israil

Source Forms: Yisrael

Popularity: The name Israel ranked 250th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 399th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Narrative: This name could also be interpreted as ''God's prince.'' Given to the scriptural character Jacob after he wrestled with God's angel (some commentators say with God Himself), this name stands for both the Jewish people and for the state they re-established in the 20th century.