Rising since 2016, #2,480 for boys today.
Popularity of Roel since 1926
Babies named Roel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2000, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Roel's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 59 |
| 1940s | 183 |
| 1950s | 409 |
| 1960s | 608 |
| 1970s | 663 |
| 1980s | 698 |
| 1990s | 624 |
| 2000s | 637 |
| 2010s | 510 |
| 2020s | 314 |
Meaning & origin
Roel is a concise Dutch and Scandinavian name that functions as both a short form of Roelof and a standalone given name. Its etymology ties back to the Germanic compound meaning 'famous wolf,' a classic element in names like Rudolph. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1926, but its presence has remained modest, peaking in 1975. In recent years, Roel has experienced a gradual resurgence, rising in usage since 2016. The name is most concentrated in Texas, reflecting its popularity within communities of Dutch heritage. With a current rank of 2480 and a 1 in 31631 birth ratio, Roel offers a distinctive yet approachable choice with a strong European pedigree.
Roel is a short form of Roelof, the Dutch and Frisian variant of Rudolf. Rudolf derives from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'wolf' (wolf). The name has been used in the Netherlands and parts of Scandinavia since the Middle Ages. In modern times, Roel functions as an independent given name.
Where Roel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Roel” around the world
Where Roel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Roeland, Roelof
Sibling names for Roel
Names that share Roel's style, for a brother or sister.
