Gisella is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the German name "Hesilore," which means "hostage to fate." The name Hesilore was originally used by the Lombards, a Germanic tribe that invaded Italy in the 6th century AD.
The name Gisella became popular in Italy during the Middle Ages and has since been adopted by other countries as well. It is often associated with historical figures, such as Gisella of Bavaria, who was a queen consort of Hungary in the 10th century.
In modern times, Gisella continues to be a popular given name in Italy and other European countries. It is often shortened to "Gisella" or "Giselle," but can also be spelled in other variations such as "Giselda," "Giselher" (for males), or "Gisela." Despite its German origins, the name Gisella has become strongly associated with Italian culture and has been used by many famous Italians throughout history.
"The name Gisella saw its most popular decades in the 1960s and 70s with a peak of 15 births in 1972. Since then, it has seen fluctuations but maintains steady popularity, with a recent surge to 34 births in 2022."