Rising since 2022, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Riel since 1997
Babies named Riel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 23 |
| 2010s | 13 | 54 |
| 2020s | 10 | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Riel is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 2007. Though still extremely rare, it has been gradually rising in popularity, particularly since 2022. In 2025, the name ranked 6,446th, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 131,390 baby boys. Its peak year so far is 2025, the most recent year in the data. The name has not yet appeared in any top state rankings. Likely a respelling of Riel or a blend of sounds from names like Ariel or Riley, Riel offers a simple, airy feel. As a very recent coinage, its meaning is not historical, but its appeal may lie in its novel yet familiar sound.
Riel is a modern given name that first appeared in U.S. records in 2007. It may be a variant of the surname Riel (from French 'rielle', a stream) or an invented spelling influenced by names like Rielly or Ariel. Its rise in use after 2022 suggests fashionable sound rather than ancient roots.
Sibling names for Riel
Names that share Riel's style, for a brother or sister.
