Rising since 1985, #84 for boys today.
Popularity of Adriel since 1952
Babies named Adriel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 51 |
| 1960s | 39 |
| 1970s | 200 |
| 1980s | 481 |
| 1990s | 858 |
| 2000s | 2,765 |
| 2010s | 11,101 |
| 2020s | 18,150 |
Meaning & origin
Adriel entered U.S. naming records in 1952 and remained obscure for decades before beginning a steady climb in the 1980s. By 2025 it had reached its peak rank of 84th, with about 1 in 436 newborn boys receiving the name. Its rise since 1985 has been especially pronounced in states like New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward biblical and vintage-sounding names. The name's biblical roots, combined with its accessible sound and nickname potential, have made it a modern favorite among parents seeking a name that feels both ancient and fresh.
Adriel appears in the Hebrew Bible as the husband of Merab, daughter of King Saul. The name likely derives from the Hebrew elements 'edher' (flock) and 'El' (God), though some scholars connect it to 'azar' (help). It was historically rare as a given name outside Jewish communities until late 20th-century adoptions by broader religious groups.
Where Adriel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Adriel” around the world
Where Adriel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
180
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ade, Ad, Ari
Sibling names for Adriel
Names that share Adriel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Adriel
Names whose popularity has moved with Adriel's over the last 50 years.
