Royal is a unisex given name of English origin. It is derived from the word "royal," which means belonging or relating to a king or queen, or connected with a monarch's power or authority. The name Royal is often associated with grandeur, elegance, and majesty.
The use of the name Royal can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as an title for members of the royal family. Over time, the name became more popular among the general population, particularly in the United States. Today, Royal is considered a modern and stylish given name that is often chosen by parents who want to give their child a name with a strong and regal meaning.
In addition to its use as a given name, Royal has also been used as a surname throughout history. It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked in the royal household or served the king or queen.
Some famous people with the name Royal include American rapper and singer, Royal T, and American basketball player, Royce O'Neale. Despite its regal connotations, the name Royal is suitable for both boys and girls and can be spelled in various ways, such as Royale, Royalee, and Royall.
The name Royal has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with a significant increase in popularity in recent years.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Royal fluctuated between 19 and 44 each year. However, it's worth noting that these numbers were relatively low compared to other names at the time. Between 1880 and 1939, there were only five years in which more than 100 babies were named Royal.
The mid-20th century saw a decline in the popularity of the name Royal, with fewer than 65 births recorded each year between 1940 and 1972. However, this trend began to change in the late 1970s, with more than 60 births recorded annually from 1978 onwards.
The turn of the century marked a significant increase in the popularity of the name Royal. Between 2000 and 2023, there were only two years in which fewer than 50 babies were named Royal: 2008 with 46 births and 2017 with 575 births.
The most notable increase occurred between 2019 and 2023. In this period, the number of births with the name Royal more than doubled, from 738 in 2019 to a peak of 883 in 2021. This surge in popularity continued into 2022 with 878 births and remained high in 2023 with 789 births.
In total, between 1866 and 2023, there were 18,666 babies named Royal born in the United States. This figure is a testament to the enduring appeal of this regal-sounding name among American parents.