Last Name Israel

The surname "Israel" is a patronymic or geographical name derived from the given name "Israël." The name "Israël" is an Old French form of the Hebrew name "Yisra'el," which means "God contends" or "strives" in English. The biblical figure Jacob, also known as Yisra'el, gave rise to the name. According to the Old Testament, Jacob wrestled with an angel and won, earning him the name Israel (Genesis 32:28). The surname "Israel" can be found in various European countries but is particularly common among Jewish families who trace their ancestry to the Kingdom of Israel or the Ten Lost Tribes. It has also been adopted by some Christian families as a symbol of faith and devotion.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Israel

The meaning and origin of the last name Israel

The surname Israel is of Hebrew origin and signifies "one who struggles with God" or "God rules." It is derived from the Bible, specifically the Old Testament, where it appears as a given name for one of Jacob's sons. In Jewish tradition, the tribes were named after these sons, and some of them later became patronymic surnames. Over time, people with Jewish heritage have adopted this surname as a way to identify their ancestry or religious background. The name is also found among non-Jewish populations in various countries, often due to historical contact or migration between Jewish communities and other cultures. In modern times, Israel remains a popular given name as well as a surname, reflecting its biblical roots and enduring significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Israel

The surname Israel is predominantly found among individuals with Jewish ancestry, primarily originating from the Middle East. Historically, the name is associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel and the Hebrew Bible. Today, the highest concentrations of people bearing the last name Israel are found in countries with significant Jewish populations, such as the United States, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, according to the 2010 census, over 75,000 individuals bear the surname Israel. The distribution of the name within these countries is often concentrated in urban areas with large Jewish communities. Outside of Jewish communities, the last name Israel can also be found among people with various other ancestries, particularly in countries with historical ties to the British Empire or due to migration and assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Israel

The surname Israel can appear with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Isreal, Izrael, Izzard, Izzardt, Israels, Israelson, Israelsen, Israelson, Israild, Israelius, Israeloff, Israelit, Israelito, Israelowitz, Israelovich, Israël, Isræl, and Israhel. These variations may stem from phonetic changes, cultural adaptations, or different transliteration methods used when writing in non-Latin scripts. It is also not uncommon for individuals to change their surname upon immigration or assimilation into a new culture.

Famous people with the last name Israel

Notable individuals with the surname Israel include:

1. Michael Oren (b. 1954), an American-born Israeli historian, author, and former ambassador to the United States. He is known for his book "Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East."

2. Elliot Abrams (b. 1949), an American lawyer and diplomat who served in various roles during several U.S. administrations, including as Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan and Deputy National Security Advisor under George W. Bush. He was instrumental in the Iran-Contra affair.

3. Dana International (b. 1972), born Yaron Cohen, is an Israeli singer and trans woman who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998 with her song "Diva." She is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

4. David Ben-Gurion (1886–1973), was a key political leader in the establishment of Israel, serving as its first Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954 and again from 1955 to 1963. He is considered one of the founding fathers of the state of Israel.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, music, and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Israel

The surname Israel originates from various sources, reflecting its widespread usage across different cultures and time periods. In Jewish contexts, Israel is a patronymic derived from the Hebrew given name Yisrael, meaning "he who struggles with God." It is a biblical name, often associated with Jacob, who was renamed Yisrael by an angel after he wrestled with God. In Christian communities, the surname Israel may have emerged as a variant of the English first name Israel, which itself is derived from Hebrew origins. Additionally, it's been noted that the surname Israel has also appeared among populations in countries like Spain and Portugal due to Jewish immigration or forced conversion during the Inquisition. Over time, variations of the name have arisen, including Isreal, Israels, and Izrael, reflecting changes in spelling as a result of factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and assimilation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Israel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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