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Royal Unisex

Popularity: #388 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 75
11%
GA 66
10%
CA 50
7%
FL 44
7%
NC 35
5%
NY 35
5%
OH 31
5%
SC 24
4%
TN 22
3%
AZ 22
3%
PA 22
3%
VA 21
3%
MD 21
3%
IL 21
3%
LA 19
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188026
188120
188227
188321
188432
188528
188619
188724
188840
188937
189031
189133
189242
189338
189423
189532
189626
189720
189826
189928
190025
190123
190231
190328
190430
190530
190638
190728
190838
190941
191044
191136
1912100
191391
1914125
1915157
1916174
1917186
1918223
1919202
1920200
1921191
1922228
1923226
1924214
1925200
1926181
1927196
1928182
1929212
1930158
1931148
1932149
1933145
1934127
1935123
1936128
1937131
1938134
1939112
1940127
1941108
1942124
1943122
1944135
1945144
1946120
1947154
1948126
1949129
1950112
1951134
1952104
1953118
1954110
1955104
1956130
1957100
195865
195991
196095
196190
196279
196369
196478
196578
196666
196767
196849
196964
197073
197167
197259
197350
197449
197546
197649
197752
197860
197956
198052
198149
198255
198358
198441
198552
198648
198742
198855
198944
199066
199152
199243
199350
199452
199542
199649
199747
199852
199949
200050
200157
200253
200353
200461
200568
200675
2007115
2008110
2009122
2010145
2011148
2012193
2013234
2014489
2015648
2016662
2017576
2018610
2019653
2020738
2021884
2022878
2023794
2024738