Izzy

יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Gender: Unisex
• Origin: Jew-ish
• Meaning: struggles with God

• Izzy started life as a spunky nickname for heavyweight names like Israel and Isidore, but it has earned serious standalone credentials over the years. It carries a surprising amount of Jewish history in just two syllables, connecting back to the name Israel and its meaning of one who wrestles with God — quite a lot of weight for a name that tumbles off the tongue this effortlessly.

  Electric and irresistible, this name has the kind of energy that works just as well on a kindergarten roster as it does shouted across a schoolyard. It is gender-neutral in the best way, feeling equally at home on any kid. With the trend toward playful standalone nicknames showing no signs of slowing down, Izzy is perfectly positioned for this moment.

• Alternate Spellings: Izzie
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Debbie
  ,
  Ruth
  ,
  Tobi
  ,
  Ezekiel
• Theme: God, Israel