Holding steady, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Suhail since 1975
Babies named Suhail per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 18 | 6 |
| 1980s | 7 | 22 |
| 1990s | 0 | 75 |
| 2000s | 0 | 88 |
| 2010s | 0 | 118 |
| 2020s | 0 | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Suhail is an Arabic name with deep celestial roots, meaning 'the gentle star' and referring to Canopus. In the United States, it has been in consistent if modest use since 1975, with a current rank of 7,679 as of 2025, where it occurs in 1 of every 170,808 male births. Its peak rank to date came in 2024, and the name remains stable in usage without sharp rises or declines. While it has not yet reached a rank within the top 5,000 nationally, its status as a culturally rich, noncommon choice appeals to families seeking a name with meaning and heritage. The name's trajectory suggests it will continue to see gradual, steady use among those connected to Arabic language and culture.
Suhail is the Arabic name for the star Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky. The word itself is derived from the Arabic root s-h-l, meaning 'smooth' or 'gentle,' reflecting the nickname 'the gentle star.' The name has been used throughout the Arabic-speaking world for centuries, prized for its celestial and gentle connotations.
“Suhail” around the world
Where Suhail lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Suh, Sail
Sibling names for Suhail
Names that share Suhail's style, for a brother or sister.
