Holding steady, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Sorrel since 1973
Babies named Sorrel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Sorrel is a distinctive nature name that entered the U.S. baby name lexicon in 1973, according to Social Security data. As of 2025, it ranked 9457, meaning roughly 1 in 160727 newborns received the name, making it a rare but steady choice. Its peak popularity occurred in 2025, suggesting a recent uptick, though the trajectory remains stable overall. The name's botanical and equestrian associations give it a natural, earthy feel, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with a gentle sound. No top states have recorded notable usage, indicating its spread is even across the country. While still uncommon, Sorrel fits alongside other plant-inspired names like Sage and Rowan, offering a fresh alternative that is both simple and evocative.
Sorrel comes from the Old French 'surele', diminutive of 'sur' meaning sour, referring to the plant's taste. The name also aligns with the color term 'sorrel' for a reddish-brown horse. As a given name, Sorrel emerged primarily in the late 20th century among English-speaking parents drawn to nature-inspired names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sori, Rel, Solly
Variants: Sorel
Sibling names for Sorrel
Names that share Sorrel's style, for a brother or sister.
