Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God is my strength." It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly used for boys. Gabriel is also a popular name in many other languages and cultures around the world.
The name Gabriel first appeared in the Bible as the name of the archangel who was sent by God to announce the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary. In Christian tradition, Gabriel is considered one of the seven archangels and is associated with strength, courage, and wisdom.
Throughout history, the name Gabriel has been borne by many notable figures, including several saints and popes. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Gabriel Fauré, a French composer who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most famous work is his "Requiem," which is considered one of the greatest musical compositions in history.
Today, Gabriel remains a popular name for boys and girls around the world. It is often shortened to Gabe or Gabby for informal use. Despite its origins as a boy's name, Gabriel has also become increasingly popular as a girl's name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Australia.
The name Gabriela has had a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past few decades. According to the statistics provided, there were five babies named Gabriela each year from 1982 to 1995, with a slight increase to seven births in 1996. This trend continued into the new millennium with another five births recorded in the year 2000.
Over this 19-year period, from 1982 to 2000, a total of 37 girls were named Gabriela at birth in the United States. This consistent popularity suggests that Gabriela is a well-liked and enduring choice among parents for their daughters' names during this timeframe.