Isela is a Spanish name of uncertain origin, usually explained as a short form of Gisela, which comes from the Germanic gisil and means "pledge" or "hostage", a reference to noble children raised at a foreign court. It is used mainly in Mexico and among Mexican-American families. In the United States Isela has never been in the top 1000: it peaked at number 1211 in 2005 and ranks number 1935 in 2025.