Declining since 1985, #219 for boys today.
Popularity of Joel since 1880
Babies named Joel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 497 |
| 1890s | 393 |
| 1900s | 428 |
| 1910s | 2,178 |
| 1920s | 3,819 |
| 1930s | 8,689 |
| 1940s | 17,424 |
| 1950s | 27,859 |
| 1960s | 33,832 |
| 1970s | 37,228 |
| 1980s | 43,566 |
| 1990s | 33,804 |
| 2000s | 33,681 |
| 2010s | 25,821 |
| 2020s | 10,436 |
Meaning & origin
Joel is a biblical name of Hebrew origin that has maintained a steady presence in the United States for over a century. In 2025, it ranked 219th, with approximately 1 in 1,046 baby boys receiving the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 1980, and while it has been on a gradual decline since 1985, it remains a familiar choice. The name enjoys particular favor in New Mexico, North Dakota, and Maryland, where it ranks among the top names. Joel's enduring appeal lies in its straightforward sound and strong religious heritage.
Joel originates from the Hebrew name Yo'el (יוֹאֵל), meaning "Yahweh is God." It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a minor prophet, the author of the Book of Joel. The name was adopted into English via the Greek Iōēl and Latin Ioel. It has been in continuous use among Christians since the Reformation, particularly among Puritans, and remains common in Jewish and Christian communities worldwide.
Where Joel 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.
“Joel” around the world
Where Joel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
New Zealand
18
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joe, Joey
Variants: Yoel, Joël
Sibling names for Joel
Names that share Joel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Abigail, Hannah, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Jayne, Joelle, Johnna, Trina, Bina, Jamee, Elesha, Jannell, Jazel, Jewelia, Jodean, Joelene, Jolena, Jolinda, Jolynne, Joyelle, Richele, Benay, Betzabe, Caralee, Jancie, Janesa, Jind, Jodelle, Joelie, Joselle, Lexine, Lorey, Marjo, Jessel, Joelly, Jakki, Jalaine, Jobina, Jode, Joelee, Joleene, Jolleen, Joreen, Joyel, Juelle, Justene
Brothers: Benjamin, Daniel, Samuel, Nathan, Caleb, Abdiel, Gil, Abiel, Jame, Jaasiel, Jac, Jarryd, Jhovany, Jonel, Josiel, Jowell, Ociel, Jakim, Janes, Jarome, Jermy, Jorel, Joshaua, Leevi, Zaul, Adriell, Jaque, Jhan, Joen, Joeph, Roniel
Names like Joel
Names whose popularity has moved with Joel's over the last 50 years.
