Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my strength". It is derived from the Hebrew name Gavri'el, which is composed of two elements: gab, meaning "strength", and El, a shortening of Elohim, referring to God. Therefore, Gabriel can be translated as "Strength of God".
The name Gabriel has a rich history in various cultures and religions. In the Bible, Gabriel is mentioned as an archangel who appears to several individuals, including the prophet Daniel and the Virgin Mary. In the Islamic tradition, Gabriel is known as Jibril and is considered one of the four great angels.
In literature and art, Gabriel has been a popular choice for characters and figures throughout history. The most notable example is probably John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost", in which Gabriel plays a significant role. In addition, Gabriel is also the name of the angel in Antonio Vivaldi's famous concerto "Concerto for Two Trumpets in C Major".
Today, Gabriel remains a popular boys' name worldwide, particularly in countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. It has also been used as a girls' name in some cultures, although it is more commonly associated with males.
In summary, Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin that means "Strength of God". With its rich historical significance and widespread popularity, it continues to be an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and timeless name for their child.
"Gabriel's popularity as a baby name has seen significant fluctuations over the past century. Initially, it was relatively uncommon with fewer than 10 births per year between 1910 and 1943. However, from 1949 onwards, its usage began to rise dramatically, peaking in 2000 with 293 births. Since then, the name's popularity has steadily declined, with only 15 births recorded in 2022."