Rising since 1996, #2,516 for boys today.
Popularity of Rael since 1971
Babies named Rael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 | 8 |
| 1980s | 5 | 13 |
| 1990s | 46 | 23 |
| 2000s | 54 | 70 |
| 2010s | 51 | 114 |
| 2020s | 41 | 230 |
Meaning & origin
Rael first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1979, and remained very rare for decades. In 2025, it ranked 2,516th, with about 1 in 32,228 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 1996, reaching its peak in 2024. While it has been used for both sexes, it is currently more common for boys. Geographically, Rael is most popular in Massachusetts, Florida, and New York, suggesting a concentration in diverse, urban states. The name's origins are ambiguous, possibly a modern coinage or a variant of names like Raul or Ariel, which adds to its unique appeal. Given its upward trajectory and distinctive sound, Rael may continue to gain attention as a fresh unisex choice.
The name Rael has multiple possible origins. It may be a modern creation, perhaps influenced by surnames or as a short form of names like Aurelio. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Raul, the Spanish form of Ralph, which is of Old Norse origin. Another possibility is that it derives from the Hebrew name Ariel, meaning 'lion of God', with the loss of the initial vowel. Given its rare usage, its etymology is not definitively established.
Where Rael is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rael” around the world
Where Rael lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Rael
Names that share Rael's style, for a brother or sister.
