Rising since 2000, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Oriel since 1915
Babies named Oriel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 | 0 |
| 1920s | 21 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 48 | 11 |
| 1990s | 29 | 34 |
| 2000s | 16 | 47 |
| 2010s | 11 | 83 |
| 2020s | 5 | 143 |
Meaning & origin
Oriel is a rare and distinctive name that has seen modest growth in recent decades. First recorded in U.S. data in 1984, it has remained uncommon, with recent years showing a slight upward trend. As of 2025, approximately 1 in every 71,170 newborn boys is named Oriel, placing it at rank 4,249. Its peak popularity came in 2023, suggesting growing, if still niche, appeal. The name's clarity and unique sound, combined with its possible 'golden' meaning, may attract parents seeking an uncommon yet accessible choice. While it has not registered notable regional popularity in top states, its consistent usage since the 2000s indicates a steady, if small, following.
The name Oriel may derive from the Old French 'oriol' or Latin 'aureolus,' both meaning 'golden.' Alternatively, it could be an architectural term from the Anglo-Norman 'oriel,' referring to a projecting window. As a given name, it has been used in England since the 20th century, possibly influenced by the similar-sounding names Ariel and Aurelius.
“Oriel” around the world
Where Oriel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ori, El
Sibling names for Oriel
Names that share Oriel's style, for a brother or sister.
