Grisel

Grisel is a feminine name with medieval European origins, derived from the Middle English 'gris' meaning 'grey.' It's a variant of Griselda, a name made famous through Boccaccio's 'Decameron' and Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales,' where Griselda exemplified patience and wifely obedience. The shortened form Grisel emerged as a more accessible version of this classical literary name. Popular during the late Middle Ages, it declined but maintained modest usage in Spanish-speaking countries and Scotland. The name carries associations of endurance and quiet strength from its literary connections. While uncommon in contemporary naming trends, Grisel offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar '-el' ending names like Isabel, combining historical depth with an unusual melodic quality.

Grisel is also given to boys.

Pronounced GREE-sel.

As of October 2026, Grisel ranked #12356 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #785 in 1984.