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Uriel vs Reuben

Which is more popular?
Uriel is more popular than Reuben today: about 708 US babies were given the name Uriel in 2025, compared with 269 named Reuben.
UrielReuben
Meaning Flame of God behold, a son
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation OOR-ee-el ROO-ben
Syllables 3 2
First appeared19131880
Peak year2008 (789)1920 (465)
In 2025708269
TrendSteadySteady
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Uriel Reuben
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeUrielReuben
2020s 3,838 1,649
2010s 5,747 2,359
2000s 6,439 2,279
1990s 3,412 2,436
1980s 941 2,759
1970s 344 2,542
1960s 134 2,076
1950s 53 2,193
1940s 17 2,060
1930s 26 2,269
1920s 80 3,860
1910s 44 3,274
1900s 0 820
1890s 0 828
1880s 0 741

What does Uriel mean?

Hebrew name combining 'ur' ('light, flame') with 'el' ('God'), usually translated 'God is my light' or 'flame of God'. Uriel is an archangel traditionally linked with fire; the element 'ur' carries both 'light' and 'flame' senses, so the fire reading is one of two.

What does Reuben mean?

Hebrew Re'uven, literally 'behold, a son!' (re'u 'see, behold' + ben 'son'). Genesis 29:32 layers a second biblical wordplay on it: Leah says 'the LORD has looked upon (ra'ah) my affliction' — that play is theological rather than the strict etymology.

Frequently asked questions

Is Uriel or Reuben more popular?

Uriel is more popular than Reuben today: about 708 US babies were given the name Uriel in 2025, compared with 269 named Reuben.

What is the difference between Uriel and Reuben?

Uriel means Flame of God (hebrew origin), while Reuben means behold, a son (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Uriel or Reuben?

In US records, Uriel first appears in 1913 and Reuben in 1880, so Reuben has the longer recorded history.