Oriel is a unique and beautiful given name of Hebrew origin. It means "my light" or "my illumination." The name Oriel is derived from the Hebrew word "or," which translates to "light."
In Jewish tradition, Oriel is often associated with the angel of dawn, who brings forth the morning light. This association gives the name a celestial and ethereal quality.
The name Oriel has a rich history in literature and art. It was used by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold in his poem "Empedocles on Etna," where it is the name of one of the characters. Additionally, Oriel College at the University of Oxford is named after St. Oriel, a 6th-century bishop from France.
Despite its Hebrew origins and Jewish associations, Oriel has been used as a given name in various cultures throughout history. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its uniqueness and beauty. Today, it is often chosen by parents who are drawn to its meaning and sound, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
In conclusion, Oriel is a captivating given name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition. Its meaning, "my light," makes it a fitting choice for parents who wish to bestow a bright and luminous name upon their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Oriel has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States.
The earliest year listed is 1915 with 5 births, indicating that the name was already in use at that time. The name's popularity peaked in 1983 with 13 births, which is significantly higher than any other year on record. This suggests that there might have been a particular trend or influence during this period that led to an increase in the usage of the name Oriel.
However, after 1983, the number of births with the name Oriel decreased again, hovering around 5-8 births per year until the mid-1990s. There was another slight peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with 6 births in 2003 and 5 births in both 2001 and 2009.
Most recently, there were 6 births in 2014, indicating that the name Oriel continues to be used, albeit at a lower rate of popularity compared to its peak in 1983. Overall, based on these statistics, the name Oriel has had periods of higher and lower popularity over the years in the United States.