Gissella

Gissella is a variation of Giselle, a name of Germanic origin meaning "pledge" or "hostage" in its ancient context, though the negative connotations have faded over time. The spelling with double 's' and the addition of an 'a' at the end gives it a more Latinized or Spanish feel compared to the French Giselle. The name gained international recognition through the romantic ballet "Giselle" from 1841. Gissella has particular popularity in Spanish-speaking countries and Latin American communities. The name carries an elegant, feminine quality with a touch of exotic flair. Its melodic pronunciation and romantic associations make it appealing to parents looking for a name that sounds both classic and distinctive.

Pronounced jis-SEL-uh.

As of October 2026, Gissella ranked #14015 in US births in 2023 SSA, peaked at #9414 in 2000.