Declining since 2017, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Khalel since 1997
Babies named Khalel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 95 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Since its first recorded appearance in 1997, Khalel has remained a rare choice for American baby boys. Its peak year came in 2018, but the name has been on a downward trajectory since 2017, with usage declining in 2025. The name is heavily influenced by the far more common Khalil, which itself has deep Arabic roots. Khalel's spelling may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive variant that feels both familiar and unique. While top-state data is unavailable, the name's rarity means it does not cluster in any particular region.
Khalel is likely a variant spelling of Khalil, derived from the Arabic root kh-l-l meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' The name Khalil is used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities. It appears in Islamic tradition as a title of the prophet Abraham (Khalil Allah, 'friend of God'). Khalel as a distinct spelling has been recorded in the United States since 1997, possibly influenced by phonetic spelling or cross-cultural adaptation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Khal
Sibling names for Khalel
Names that share Khalel's style, for a brother or sister.
