Gabriel is a male given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my strength". It is derived from the Hebrew word "gabri," which means "strength" or "power," and "El", which refers to God.
The name Gabriel is associated with the archangel Gabriel in Abrahamic religions. In the Bible, Gabriel plays a significant role as a messenger of God. He announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah in the Gospel of Luke, and later appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. In Islamic tradition, Gabriel is believed to be the angel who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
The name Gabriel has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including the Italian painter and engraver, Gabriele Possieri, and the Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Carl Gustav Jung. Today, Gabriel remains a popular given name for boys around the world.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Gabriel has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names in the United States since the early 20th century. It was particularly popular during the 1970s and 1980s but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Overall, the name Gabriel is a strong and powerful one with significant historical and religious ties. Its meaning and association with the archangel have contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name for boys.
The name Gabriel has been consistently popular over the decades in the United States, with a notable spike in popularity during the mid-1980s. Between 1970 and 1993, there were a total of 26 births registered for babies named Gabriel each year.
Interestingly, the years 1984 to 1986 saw an increase in the number of newborn boys named Gabriel, with six births recorded in 1986 alone. This surge in popularity could be attributed to various factors such as cultural influences or simply parents' personal preferences for that particular name during those years.
Overall, while the name Gabriel may not have been among the most popular choices each year, it maintained a steady presence throughout the given period. It's important to note that these statistics only represent births registered in the United States and do not account for any unregistered births or babies named Gabriel born outside of the country.
In conclusion, the name Gabriel has shown consistent popularity over time, with peaks in usage during certain years, reflecting its enduring appeal among parents in the United States.