Holding steady.
Popularity of Oral since 1880
Babies named Oral per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Oral's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 22 | 53 |
| 1890s | 58 | 122 |
| 1900s | 80 | 128 |
| 1910s | 169 | 597 |
| 1920s | 121 | 655 |
| 1930s | 29 | 337 |
| 1940s | 16 | 224 |
| 1950s | 11 | 376 |
| 1960s | 0 | 158 |
| 1970s | 0 | 72 |
| 1980s | 0 | 32 |
| 1990s | 0 | 37 |
| 2000s | 0 | 11 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Oral is a rare and unusual name with uncertain origins. First recorded in 1880, it saw its peak popularity in 1892, but has since declined dramatically and currently has no rank. The name's trajectory is stable in its obscurity, with very few newborns receiving the name in recent decades. Despite its lack of modern use, Oral carries a historical charm reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its meaning is debated, possibly linking to the Latin word for 'mouth' or the name Aureole. With no top states or notable bearers, Oral remains a curious and distinctive choice for those seeking a truly vintage name.
The name Oral is of uncertain origin and may be a variant of the name Aureole, meaning 'golden', or it could derive from the Latin word 'os' (genitive 'oris'), meaning 'mouth'. It has been used in the United States since the 1880s, peaking in popularity in 1892. The name is rare and has seen very little use in recent decades.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Orie
Variants: Aureole, Oralie, Orel
Sibling names for Oral
Names that share Oral's style, for a brother or sister.
