Liesel

Liesel is a feminine given name of German origin. It is commonly treated as a diminutive of Elisabeth or Liesl, though it is often used independently as a full given name in contemporary contexts.

Name origin: Elisabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is abundance." In German naming practice, Liesel and Liesl developed as affectionate forms and gradually became established as standalone names in their own right.

Usage: The name is most common in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria, and in surrounding regions. In English-speaking countries, Liesel remains rare and is often chosen for literary or cultural associations rather than as a common given name.

Notable uses: The most widely recognized bearer is Liesel Meminger, the protagonist and narrator of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, set in 1930s-1940s Germany. The form Liesl is also common in German-speaking media and sometimes used as a standalone given name.