Rael
About Rael
Rael is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew tradition, it's often considered a variant of Israel, meaning "he who struggles with God." In some cultures, it's viewed as a shortened form of Rafael, meaning "God has healed." The name has gained some recognition through Michael Rael, the founder of a spiritual movement. With its brief, strong sound and biblical connections, Rael appeals to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and accessible across different languages. Despite its ancient roots, the name maintains a contemporary feel with its compact form, making it timeless yet modern for boys across various cultural backgrounds.
Pronounced RAY-ul.
As of October 2026, Rael ranked #2529 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2326 in 2024.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | #4,707 | 21 | 11.3 |
| 2018 | #4,573 | 22 | 12.1 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | #4,096 | 26 | 14.9 |
| 2022 | #2,818 | 46 | 26.3 |
| 2023 | #4,186 | 26 | 15.2 |
| 2024 | #2,326 | 61 | 35.4 |
| 2025 | #2,529 | 53 | 31 |