Home Arts & LiteratureLanguagesEnglishMeanings Of NamesFirst Names Subscribe to RSS
 

What Is The Story Behind The Name Giselle?

Answer Question

1 Answer - Sort by: Date | Rating

    This French name (pronounced gi-ZELL, with a soft "g" like the "s" in "pleasure")has a fascinating history. It comes from the old Germanic word gisil, or "pledge." In Europe in the Middle Ages, children from one aristocratic or royal family were often sent to be brought up in another – usually abroad – to cement alliances between royal households; in fact, to act as pledges or hostages. Giselle probably derives from a nickname based on this practice.

    It has long been a popular name in France, and is also fairly widespread in Germany, where the usual variant is Gisela (GEE-ze-la with a hard "g".) It did not become well known in Britain until the 19th century, largely because of the fame of the 1841 ballet "Giselle."

    A very rare variant of Giselle is Ghislaine; the short or pet form is Gigi, (also the title of a famous novel and film) but this is almost never used in English-speaking countries.
    0 0

    Wordy 

    answered 3 years ago

      Answer Question - Answers are editable for 5 min.

      If you do not Sign-in or Register your answers will be anonymous,

      your answers may also be checked before going online.

         
         

        Ask a Question via Twitter

        Send a question to @askblurtit and we will publish it online and send you a reply everytime you receive an answer.

        Blurtit Store

        Get T-shirts, hoodies, caps and more at the Blurtit store

        Blurtit International