Israel from the Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) meaning "God contended". In the Old Testament Israel (who was formerly named Jacob; see Genesis 32:28) wrestles with an angel. The ancient and modern states of Israel took their names from him.
Biblical namesake: Israel is the name given to Jacob after wrestling with an angel. He is the patriarch whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. (Genesis · Genesis 32:28, Genesis 35:10)
Saintly namesake: Israël du Limousin was an 11th-century French priest and hermit venerated as a saint. The name Israel is rare but genuinely borne by this saint. (December 13 · 11th century)
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