Disraelis

Disraelis is a surname most often associated with a prominent British Jewish family that rose to influence in literature and politics in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name appears in two closely related spellings, D’Israeli and Disraeli, reflecting variations in transliteration and anglicization over time. The family is generally linked to Italian Jewish origins, with the name signaling Sephardic heritage that became integrated into British society.

The most notable members are Sir Isaac D’Israeli (1766–1848), a writer, bibliophile, and public figure who was created Baron D’Israeli, of Beaconsfield, in 1841. His son, Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), a novelist turned statesman, led the Conservative Party and served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In 1876 he was created Earl of Beaconsfield, a title that carried the family name into the higher ranks of the peerage. Benjamin Disraeli is often regarded as the first person of Jewish heritage to hold the office of British Prime Minister, though he identified with British political life rather than with any single religious identity in his public career.

Beyond Isaac and Benjamin, the Disraeli lineage is discussed in the context of 19th-century British political and cultural life, including debates over reform, empire, and the integration of Jewish citizens into public institutions. The Disraelis are frequently cited in histories of emancipation and the modernization of British politics, serving as a notable example of social mobility and cultural achievement within the United Kingdom.

Today, the surname survives in historical reference and in the continued recognition of Beaconsfield’s association with the family. The spelling variation remains a point of historical interest for scholars tracing the lineage.