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 is a name that has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1910 and 2023, there have been a total of 6813 births registered for the name Gabriel.
The earliest data available shows that Gabriel was given to just five boys in 1910. This number fluctuated between five and ten until 1947 when it jumped to six births. The year 1949 marked a turning point with ten babies named Gabriel, indicating an increase in popularity for the name.
From the late 1950s onwards, we see a more consistent rise in the number of babies named Gabriel each year. In 1969, there were 21 births, which doubled to 42 in 1973 and then reached 55 in 1976. This trend continued into the 1980s with a peak of 281 births in 1999.
However, from the year 2000 onwards, we observe a decline in the popularity of the name Gabriel. In 2010, there were only 100 births, and this number continued to decrease until it reached an all-time low of 13 births in 2023.
Despite this recent downward trend, Gabriel remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history behind it. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, but its enduring appeal is evident in the thousands of Gabriels born throughout the United States during the past century.