Jeriel is a unique and distinctive male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "yeriyel," which means "God will increase." The name Jeriel is believed to have been popularized by Jewish communities, particularly among those who immigrated to the United States during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
The earliest known use of the name Jeriel can be traced back to the 1870s in New York City. It was given to a son born to a Jewish family who had recently arrived from Eastern Europe. Over time, the name Jeriel became more widespread among Jewish communities and eventually gained popularity beyond those circles.
While the name Jeriel is not particularly common today, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking an uncommon but significant name for their child. Its Hebrew origins and positive meaning make it a powerful and inspiring option for boys.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Jeriel has seen varied popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
The earliest recorded birth for the name Jeriel was in 1970, with a total of 5 babies being named Jeriel that year. The following decade saw consistent yet limited use of the name, with an average of approximately 8 births per year between 1980 and 1990.
The late 1990s marked a turning point for the name Jeriel, with a notable increase in popularity starting from the year 2000. That year alone saw 53 births compared to just 8 in the previous year. This trend continued throughout the early 2000s, peaking at 71 births in 2008.
The years following the peak witnessed a gradual decline in the popularity of Jeriel, with birth numbers falling back down into the low forties and thirties by the late 2010s. Despite this decrease, the name has maintained consistent usage up until recent years, with at least 24 babies being named Jeriel annually from 2020 to 2023.
Overall, since its first recorded use in 1970, a total of 990 babies have been named Jeriel in the United States over the past five decades. This demonstrates that while not exceptionally popular throughout these years, Jeriel has remained a consistently chosen name for parents looking for something unique and distinctive for their child.