Rising since 1985, #1,212 for boys today.
Popularity of Bilal since 1964
Babies named Bilal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 236 |
| 1980s | 553 |
| 1990s | 1,071 |
| 2000s | 1,419 |
| 2010s | 1,580 |
| 2020s | 981 |
Meaning & origin
Bilal, drawn from the Arabic root for water and freshness, has been a consistent choice among Muslim families in the United States since the mid-20th century. In 2025, it held a rank of 1,212 with a 1-in-10,228 frequency, reflecting a steady upward trajectory over decades. The name saw its peak popularity so far in 2018, and its usage has been growing notably since 1985. Geographic data from recent years shows Bilal has been most common in Minnesota, Maryland, and Massachusetts, suggesting higher usage in communities with significant Somali, Ethiopian, or other East African Muslim populations. Despite the strong cultural and religious resonance, the name has never entered the top 1,000, yet its gradual rise indicates a widening appreciation beyond those communities.
Bilal is an Arabic name meaning 'water,' 'moisture,' or 'freshness.' It is famously associated with Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first muezzin in Islam. The name has been widely used among Muslim families across the world for centuries.
Where Bilal 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.
“Bilal” around the world
Where Bilal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
245
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bili
Sibling names for Bilal
Names that share Bilal's style, for a brother or sister.
