Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Rydell since 1960
Babies named Rydell per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rydell's real moment was 1990.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 78 |
| 1970s | 42 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Rydell first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1960, and reached its peak rank in 1990, though it has remained a rare choice. As of 2025, it is given to about 1 in 341,615 babies, placing it at rank 12,008. The name shows a stable trajectory, not experiencing any dramatic rises or falls. It saw its greatest usage during the 1990s but has not revived in recent decades. While not common enough to appear in top state lists, Rydell carries a modern, surname-style feel that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with a crisp, two-syllable sound.
Rydell originated as a variant of the surname Rydal, derived from a place name in Cumbria, England. The first element likely comes from Old English 'ryge' (rye) or 'rith' (stream), combined with 'dael' (valley). It began to be used as a given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, possibly influenced by the actor Bobby Rydell.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ry, Rye, Del
Variants: Rydel, Rydall, Ridall
Sibling names for Rydell
Names that share Rydell's style, for a brother or sister.
