Rigel Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rigel originates from Arabic, meaning 'the foot of the giant'. It has evolved through various languages including Latin and Old French. The name is associated with a prominent star in the constellation Orion, representing brightness and strength. Rigel has no biblical relevance and gained popularity during the Renaissance. Today, it is perceived as a unique and strong name, with a few variants like Rijel.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rigel"
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪdʒəl/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Rigel comes from the Arabic phrase 'Rijl Jauza', which means 'the foot of the giant'. It was originally used to describe the star located in the constellation Orion.
Meaning
the foot of the giant
Language Evolution
Arabic: رِجْل الجَوْزَاء (Rijl al-Jauza), Latin: Rigel, Old French: Rigel, Middle English: Rigel
Historical Usage
Rigel has been used as a name for centuries, primarily in astronomy, and gained popularity in Western cultures during the Renaissance when stars were given more attention in the scientific community.
Variants & Derivatives
Rigel, Rijel, Rijel
Modern Popularity & Image
Rigel is seen as a strong and unique name, often associated with brightness and prominence due to its status as one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Famous People
Rigel A. O'Reilly, a notable scientist., Rigel McCarthy, a well-known artist.
📊 Rigel Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Rigel Name Visualizations
✨ Rigel Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 34 peak births in 2016
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rigel"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Rigel"
"Rigel" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6703rd of 10718 | 31 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5745th of 16616 | 114 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6116th of 24088 | 193 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4413th of 23106 | 275 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Rigel" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
57.18% 4267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
52.15% 3273rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Rigel" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rigel"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rigel" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Rigel" in the United States
The name Rigel is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rigel has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Rigel' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6703rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5745th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6116th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4413th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Rigel' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.