Gisella

German

"pledge, hostage"

Gisella Origin and Meaning

The name Gisella is a girl's name of German origin.

Gisella is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in ancient times, noble children were sometimes exchanged as political hostages to ensure peace between kingdoms). It's a variant of Giselle, which gained recognition through the romantic ballet of the same name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Hungary, where Saint Gisela was the wife of King Stephen I. Gisella carries an elegant, classical quality with its melodic sound and romantic associations. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to its international appeal and sophisticated sound.

Famous People Named Gisella

• Gisella Anastasia Indonesian pop singer
• Gisella Perl Romanian gynaecologist and Holocaust survivor AKA "The Angel of Auschwitz"
• Gisella Marengo Italian actress
• Gisella Sofio Italian actress
• Gisella Duarte Peruvian volleyball player
• Gisella Delle Grazie Italian composer
• Gisella Grosz Hungarian pianist