Giselle

The 1980s was a time for French girls' names. Nicole and Michelle both ranked within the top 100. Down the charts were even more French girls' names end in the "l" sound, including Giselle.

Giselle has only been used in the United States since the mid-twentieth century. However, in France the name dates from the Middle Ages. The name was popular among the French at the time, including the daughter of the French King Charles III. However, it's possible Giselle was only a nickname. It was given to children who were sent to foreign courts as pledges. 

Fast forward to the nineteenth century. Adolphe Adam created his ballet, Giselle, in 1841. It may have made the name well-known among English-speakers. It is not known why it took so long for Giselle to enter use in the United States. Yet, it kept the name in French use. Giselle appeared in the French top 500 through the mid-1950s.

There's a few reasons why this French classic reached the top 200 within the past few decades. Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Princess Giselle from Disney's Enchanted both played a role. Perhaps it peaked the same year Enchanted came out. 

Since its peak, Giselle has declined in use. Rather than a dated moniker, though, Giselle counts as a modern classic. It has ranked in the top 300 for twenty years. Even today, it still ranks in the 300s. 

Alongside being a modern classic, there are more appealing qualities about Giselle. First, it's nickname-proof. It's not automatically shortened, though girls with the name can go by "Gissy" or "Zel". Second, it's, in a way, both French and Spanish. Finally, Giselle is soft in sound and completely feminine without being overly girly. 

SISTER NAME IDEAS:

Anouk, Chloe, Fleur, Gabriela, Juliette, Maya, Natalie, Solange, Tatiana, Vivienne

BROTHER NAME IDEAS:

Cesar, Damien, Emmanuel, Giovanni, Julien, Mateo, Pierre, Regis, Tristan, Xavier

What do you think about Giselle?