Declining since 1996, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Belal since 1977
Babies named Belal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 86 |
| 1990s | 184 |
| 2000s | 192 |
| 2010s | 156 |
| 2020s | 78 |
Meaning & origin
Belal is a name with deep Islamic roots, tied to the revered figure Bilal ibn Rabah, the first caller to prayer in Islam. In the United States, it first appeared on records in 1977 and saw its peak popularity in 2003. Since 1996, its usage has been gradually declining, though it remains a familiar choice among Muslim families. The name is most common in Texas, reflecting the state's diverse population. While Belal is less frequent than the standard spelling Bilal, both share the same rich heritage and meaning.
Belal is a variant of Bilal, an Arabic name derived from the root b-l-l meaning 'to wet, moisten.' Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first muezzin in Islam, is its most famous historical bearer. The name is common throughout the Muslim world, with the spelling Belal more prevalent in South Asia and the Middle East.
Where Belal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bil, Lalo
Variants: Bilal, Belaal
Sibling names for Belal
Names that share Belal's style, for a brother or sister.
