Little fish
Fishel is a Yiddish diminutive of the name Fishl, which itself is a translation of the Hebrew name Ephraim. It was traditionally used as a secular 'kinnui' or nickname for boys named Ephraim, based on the biblical blessing where Ephraim's descendants are said to multiply like fish.
Less common today
Fishel isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #4,432 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Renowned Hasidic cantor and composer
Rabbi and author of the 'Family First' series
