Declining since 1994, #3,089 for boys today.
Popularity of Vidal since 1909
Babies named Vidal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 9 |
| 1910s | 40 |
| 1920s | 136 |
| 1930s | 169 |
| 1940s | 164 |
| 1950s | 289 |
| 1960s | 276 |
| 1970s | 603 |
| 1980s | 570 |
| 1990s | 751 |
| 2000s | 589 |
| 2010s | 421 |
| 2020s | 220 |
Meaning & origin
Vidal has been in sporadic use in the United States since at least 1909. The name saw its peak popularity in 1972, but has been on a declining trajectory since 1994. In 2025, the name ranked 3,089 nationally, with about 1 in every 43,797 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is most common in Texas and California. While its exact meaning is uncertain, Vidal is often linked to the Latin Vitalis, meaning 'life', and has deep roots in Spanish and Italian cultures. Despite its decline in recent decades, Vidal retains a distinguished, classic appeal.
The name Vidal is most commonly considered a variant of the Latin name Vitalis, from 'vita' meaning 'life'. It has been used as a given name in Spanish, Italian, and Catalan cultures since the Middle Ages, often in honor of Saint Vitalis. The name has also been adopted as a surname, notably by the writer Gore Vidal.
Where Vidal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vid, V
Variants: Vital, Vitalis, Vidalí
Sibling names for Vidal
Names that share Vidal's style, for a brother or sister.
