Gabriel: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Gabriel mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: God is my strength

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Gabriel is pronounced gay-bree-ul

The name Gabriel is of Hebrew origin and means "God is my strength" and is famously borne by the archangel Gabriel in Biblical texts. Gabriel was derived from the Hebrew name Gavri’el, taken from the elements gever, meaning “strong,” and ’el, in reference to God.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English, Scottish, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Jewish: from the Hebrew personal name Gavriel "God has given me strength." This was borne by an archangel in the Bible (Daniel 8:16 and 9:21), who in the New Testament announced the impending birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26–38). It has been a comparatively popular personal name in all parts of Europe, among both Christians and Jews, during the Middle Ages and since. Compare Michael and Raphael.

Famous people with this first name

Gabriel Byrne

Famous people with this last name

Peter Gabriel

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Gabriel in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Gabriel from Good Omens - Gabriel is an archangel known for his strict adherence to orders and his role in the apocalyptic events.
Gabriel from The Da Vinci Code - Gabriel plays a significant role as a member of the secretive organization Opus Dei.
Gabriel from Constantine - Gabriel is an angel who serves as a powerful ally to the protagonist, John Constantine.
Gabriel from Supernatural - Gabriel is a mischievous archangel known for his playful nature and complex relationships with other celestial beings.
Gabriel from The Prophecy - Gabriel is a fallen angel who rebels against God's plan and seeks to alter the course of human destiny.

Popularity of the Name Gabriel

According to Social Security Administration data, Gabriel has consistently been a popular name, often ranking within the top 50 names in the United States for boys. Its popularity has been notably stable, maintaining its rank with slight fluctuations over the years. Gabriel is not only popular in the US but also has a significant presence worldwide, with notable mentions in literature, music, and religious texts.

Gabriel is a quite popular religious name, appearing in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish texts. Gabriel also is an archangel who heralded the news of Jesus' birth in Abrahamic religions. Gabriel is the patron saint of broadcasters and diplomats, as well as the presider over Paradise. He serves as the angel of mercy, life, joy, judgment, truth, and dreams. Gabriel also governs the Mondays and the month of January, making it one of the most popular names for babies born in January.

Historical figures, such as the archangel Gabriel from Abrahamic religions, have further cemented the name's popularity. Additionally, actors like Gabriel Byrne and Gabriel Macht, as well as fictional characters from media titles like The Giver, Supernatural, and X-Men, have kept the name in the public eye.