What Is The Story Behind The Name Giselle?

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.