Uriel Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationYOO-ree-el / /ˈjʊəriəl/Hebrew; Spanish
Meaning
Hebrew: 'God is my light'; Spanish: 'light'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Uriel has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the elements "ur" meaning "light" and "el" meaning "God". Thus, Uriel can be interpreted as "God is my light" or "light of God". The name appears in various forms across different cultures and languages, transitioning through Greek and Latin before entering English. In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, Uriel is rendered as Ουριηλ (Ouriel), which was later adopted into Latin as Uriel, maintaining the original meaning and significance.
Historically, Uriel is recognized as one of the archangels in Jewish tradition, often associated with wisdom and enlightenment. He is mentioned in the apocryphal texts, particularly in the Book of Enoch, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Uriel's role as a guide and protector is further emphasized in Christian traditions, where he is sometimes depicted as a guardian of the gates of Eden and a bearer of divine knowledge. The name also appears in various religious texts, including the King James Bible, although not directly as a named figure within its canonical books.
Culturally, Uriel has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, symbolizing illumination and divine guidance. The name has been used in literature and art throughout the centuries, often representing the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of truth. In some traditions, Uriel is associated with the element of fire, reinforcing his connection to light and enlightenment. The diminutive form "Uri" has also emerged in some cultures, reflecting a more familiar or affectionate usage while still retaining the essence of the original name.
Trend Summary
Uriel has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Uryel
- Uri
International Variants
- Uriel (Spanish)
- Oriel (Latin)
Famous people named Uriel
Uriel Acosta is a philosopher best known for his works on Jewish thought and rationalism.
Uriel Orozco is a musician best known for his contributions to the Latin music scene as a guitarist and composer.
Uriel Garcia is a journalist best known for his reporting on social issues and community events.
Fictional characters named Uriel
Uriel is a fictional character from the comic book series The Sandman. He is an angel who serves as a guide and protector in the realm of dreams.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Uriel was first seen in the United States in 1913. Uriel has ranked as high as #713 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Arizona. In the past 5 years the name Uriel has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Uriel (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 152 | |
TX | 147 | |
NY | 37 | |
FL | 29 | |
IL | 26 | |
WA | 21 | |
GA | 15 | |
AZ | 15 | |
OH | 13 | |
OK | 12 | |
PA | 12 | |
IA | 10 | |
MD | 9 | |
WI | 9 | |
MN | 9 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1913 | 5 |
1914 | 12 |
1915 | 9 |
1917 | 6 |
1918 | 7 |
1919 | 5 |
1920 | 10 |
1921 | 8 |
1922 | 7 |
1923 | 8 |
1924 | 8 |
1925 | 9 |
1926 | 14 |
1928 | 6 |
1929 | 10 |
1930 | 8 |
1931 | 5 |
1933 | 6 |
1934 | 7 |
1944 | 6 |
1945 | 5 |
1946 | 6 |
1951 | 5 |
1952 | 5 |
1954 | 12 |
1955 | 6 |
1958 | 16 |
1959 | 9 |
1960 | 14 |
1961 | 8 |
1962 | 8 |
1963 | 14 |
1964 | 19 |
1965 | 16 |
1966 | 9 |
1967 | 16 |
1968 | 15 |
1969 | 15 |
1970 | 32 |
1971 | 19 |
1972 | 20 |
1973 | 15 |
1974 | 23 |
1975 | 34 |
1976 | 38 |
1977 | 52 |
1978 | 48 |
1979 | 63 |
1980 | 71 |
1981 | 63 |
1982 | 76 |
1983 | 64 |
1984 | 75 |
1985 | 95 |
1986 | 93 |
1987 | 112 |
1988 | 136 |
1989 | 156 |
1990 | 217 |
1991 | 239 |
1992 | 307 |
1993 | 316 |
1994 | 335 |
1995 | 358 |
1996 | 396 |
1997 | 379 |
1998 | 406 |
1999 | 459 |
2000 | 494 |
2001 | 509 |
2002 | 548 |
2003 | 581 |
2004 | 587 |
2005 | 706 |
2006 | 751 |
2007 | 741 |
2008 | 789 |
2009 | 733 |
2010 | 615 |
2011 | 604 |
2012 | 559 |
2013 | 571 |
2014 | 575 |
2015 | 491 |
2016 | 557 |
2017 | 539 |
2018 | 581 |
2019 | 655 |
2020 | 637 |
2021 | 588 |
2022 | 626 |
2023 | 606 |
2024 | 670 |