Arsal

Meaning & origin

Arsal is an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, first appearing in Social Security records in 1998. Its peak popularity occurred in 2013, though even then it never entered the top 1,000. As of 2025, it ranks 9,714th, with only about 1 in every 244,011 male newborns receiving the name. The name's trajectory has remained stable, reflecting consistent but minimal use over the past two decades. While specific top states are not recorded due to its rarity, Arsal is most frequently chosen by families with Arabic or Muslim heritage. Its etymology is uncertain: it may be a variant of Arsalan ('lion') or derive from a root meaning 'piety.' This ambiguity, combined with its distinct sound, gives Arsal a quietly dignified presence among uncommon names.

Arsal is believed to be a variant of the Arabic name Arsalan, meaning 'lion' or 'brave,' but it is also associated with the Arabic root R-S-L, conveying piety and devotion. The name has seen modest use in Muslim-majority countries and among diaspora communities, though its exact derivation is debated. It entered U.S. records in 1998 and has remained rare, with a stable but low frequency.