Royal is a unisex given name of English origin. It is derived from the word "royal," which means belonging or relating to a king or queen, or connected with a monarch's power or authority. The name Royal is often associated with grandeur, elegance, and majesty.
The use of the name Royal can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as an title for members of the royal family. Over time, the name became more popular among the general population, particularly in the United States. Today, Royal is considered a modern and stylish given name that is often chosen by parents who want to give their child a name with a strong and regal meaning.
In addition to its use as a given name, Royal has also been used as a surname throughout history. It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked in the royal household or served the king or queen.
Some famous people with the name Royal include American rapper and singer, Royal T, and American basketball player, Royce O'Neale. Despite its regal connotations, the name Royal is suitable for both boys and girls and can be spelled in various ways, such as Royale, Royalee, and Royall.
The name Royal appears to have experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a notable increase in recent years. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the number of births per year ranged from a low of 49 in 1975 to a high of 234 in 2013, with an average of around 80 births per year during this period. However, starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a notable increase in the number of Royal births, reaching over 500 births per year by 2014, and peaking at 883 births in 2020. This trend has continued into recent years, with over 700 births recorded each year from 2019 to 2023. Overall, a total of 18666 Royal births have been recorded since 1880.