Rigel
Rigel first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 2016, when 34 boys were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Rigel popular?
Rising Rigel has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 116 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 214 | |
| 2000s | 128 | |
| 1990s | 91 | |
| 1980s | 62 | |
| 1970s | 21 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Rigel mean?
The proper name of the bright blue star marking the foot of Orion, from Arabic 'rijl' ('foot', from 'Rijl Jauzah al-Yusra', 'the left foot of the giant'). The literal meaning is 'foot'; it is included as the proper name of a specific star.
Names like Rigel
arabic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Rigel
Popular arabic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Rigel
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rigel mean?
Rigel means Named for the star Rigel. The proper name of the bright blue star marking the foot of Orion, from Arabic 'rijl' ('foot', from 'Rijl Jauzah al-Yusra', 'the left foot of the giant'). The literal meaning is 'foot'; it is included as the proper name of a specific star.
What is the origin of the name Rigel?
Rigel is of arabic origin.
How do you pronounce Rigel?
Rigel is pronounced “RYE-jel.”
Is Rigel a boy or a girl name?
Rigel is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Rigel a popular name right now?
Rigel has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Rigel?
In 2025, Rigel ranked #5158 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Rigel most popular?
Rigel was most popular in 2016, when about 34 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Rigel?
Names similar to Rigel include Habib, Badr, Suhail, Najm, Qasim.
What names go well with Rigel?
arabic names that pair well with Rigel include Adam, Layla, Aaliyah, Malik, Amir.