Royal Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationROY-al / /ˈrɔɪ.əl/English; Latin
Meaning
English: royal; Latin: regal
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Royal has its roots in the Latin word "regalis," which means "royal" or "kingly." This term evolved through Old French as "reial" before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. The transition into English occurred during a period when many French words were adopted following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, which significantly influenced the English lexicon, particularly in terms of governance and nobility. The name Royal thus carries connotations of nobility and authority, reflecting its etymological origins.
Historically, the concept of royalty has been significant across various cultures, often associated with leadership, power, and divine right. The term has been used in various contexts, from describing monarchs in medieval Europe to being a descriptor for noble families and their lineage. The name Royal has also appeared in literature and historical texts, symbolizing grandeur and the ideals of leadership. Notably, the term "royal" has been used in various titles and positions throughout history, reinforcing its association with authority and governance.
Culturally, the name Royal resonates with themes of dignity and prestige. It has been used in various ceremonial contexts, often linked to the idea of a royal court or nobility. The name may also evoke images of chivalry and honor, which were prominent in medieval literature and folklore. While diminutives or variations of the name, such as Roy, have emerged, the core significance of Royal remains tied to its historical and cultural roots, embodying the essence of nobility and leadership throughout the ages.
Trend Summary
The name Royal has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Roy
- Roya
International Variants
- Rey (Spanish)
- Roi (French)
Famous people named Royal
Royal Dano was an actor best known for The Last Man on Earth, The Wild Bunch, and Moby Dick.
Royal Robbins was a rock climber and author best known for his pioneering climbs in Yosemite and his contributions to climbing gear design.
Fictional characters named Royal
Royal Tenenbaum is a fictional character from the film The Royal Tenenbaums. He is the estranged patriarch of the Tenenbaum family who attempts to reconnect with his children after being diagnosed with cancer.
Royal is a fictional character from the novel The Royal We. They are a fictionalized version of Prince William, exploring themes of love and royal life.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Royal was first seen in the United States in 1880. Royal has ranked as high as #621 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Georgia, and Louisiana. In the past 5 years the name Royal has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Royal (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 75 | |
| GA | 66 | |
| CA | 50 | |
| FL | 44 | |
| NC | 35 | |
| NY | 35 | |
| OH | 31 | |
| SC | 24 | |
| TN | 22 | |
| AZ | 22 | |
| PA | 22 | |
| VA | 21 | |
| MD | 21 | |
| IL | 21 | |
| LA | 19 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 26 |
| 1881 | 20 |
| 1882 | 27 |
| 1883 | 21 |
| 1884 | 32 |
| 1885 | 28 |
| 1886 | 19 |
| 1887 | 24 |
| 1888 | 40 |
| 1889 | 37 |
| 1890 | 31 |
| 1891 | 33 |
| 1892 | 42 |
| 1893 | 38 |
| 1894 | 23 |
| 1895 | 32 |
| 1896 | 26 |
| 1897 | 20 |
| 1898 | 26 |
| 1899 | 28 |
| 1900 | 25 |
| 1901 | 23 |
| 1902 | 31 |
| 1903 | 28 |
| 1904 | 30 |
| 1905 | 30 |
| 1906 | 38 |
| 1907 | 28 |
| 1908 | 38 |
| 1909 | 41 |
| 1910 | 44 |
| 1911 | 36 |
| 1912 | 100 |
| 1913 | 91 |
| 1914 | 125 |
| 1915 | 157 |
| 1916 | 174 |
| 1917 | 186 |
| 1918 | 223 |
| 1919 | 202 |
| 1920 | 200 |
| 1921 | 191 |
| 1922 | 228 |
| 1923 | 226 |
| 1924 | 214 |
| 1925 | 200 |
| 1926 | 181 |
| 1927 | 196 |
| 1928 | 182 |
| 1929 | 212 |
| 1930 | 158 |
| 1931 | 148 |
| 1932 | 149 |
| 1933 | 145 |
| 1934 | 127 |
| 1935 | 123 |
| 1936 | 128 |
| 1937 | 131 |
| 1938 | 134 |
| 1939 | 112 |
| 1940 | 127 |
| 1941 | 108 |
| 1942 | 124 |
| 1943 | 122 |
| 1944 | 135 |
| 1945 | 144 |
| 1946 | 120 |
| 1947 | 154 |
| 1948 | 126 |
| 1949 | 129 |
| 1950 | 112 |
| 1951 | 134 |
| 1952 | 104 |
| 1953 | 118 |
| 1954 | 110 |
| 1955 | 104 |
| 1956 | 130 |
| 1957 | 100 |
| 1958 | 65 |
| 1959 | 91 |
| 1960 | 95 |
| 1961 | 90 |
| 1962 | 79 |
| 1963 | 69 |
| 1964 | 78 |
| 1965 | 78 |
| 1966 | 66 |
| 1967 | 67 |
| 1968 | 49 |
| 1969 | 64 |
| 1970 | 73 |
| 1971 | 67 |
| 1972 | 59 |
| 1973 | 50 |
| 1974 | 49 |
| 1975 | 46 |
| 1976 | 49 |
| 1977 | 52 |
| 1978 | 60 |
| 1979 | 56 |
| 1980 | 52 |
| 1981 | 49 |
| 1982 | 55 |
| 1983 | 58 |
| 1984 | 41 |
| 1985 | 52 |
| 1986 | 48 |
| 1987 | 42 |
| 1988 | 55 |
| 1989 | 44 |
| 1990 | 66 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 43 |
| 1993 | 50 |
| 1994 | 52 |
| 1995 | 42 |
| 1996 | 49 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 52 |
| 1999 | 49 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 57 |
| 2002 | 53 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 61 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 75 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 110 |
| 2009 | 122 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 193 |
| 2013 | 234 |
| 2014 | 489 |
| 2015 | 648 |
| 2016 | 662 |
| 2017 | 576 |
| 2018 | 610 |
| 2019 | 653 |
| 2020 | 738 |
| 2021 | 884 |
| 2022 | 878 |
| 2023 | 794 |
| 2024 | 738 |