Uriel

What does Uriel mean?

The name Uriel comes from Hebrew and centres on the idea of divine light. Its components combine a word for light with a theistic element, so Uriel is often understood as a bearer or expression of light connected to God.

As a given name Uriel feels luminous and resolute. It carries a dignified, slightly formal tone that still manages to feel approachable, and it often evokes spiritual, celestial, or literary associations. The name sits comfortably alongside other biblical or classical choices such as Gabriel or Raphael, yet it is less common, which gives it a quietly distinctive presence.

Historical Context

Uriel is an ancient name found in Hebrew sources and later religious writings. The name is constructed from a Hebrew element meaning light and the suffix often translated as God, so its original sense is linked to divine illumination. Over centuries it appears in Jewish, Christian, and later medieval Christian texts, sometimes as an archangelic figure in apocryphal and mystical writings.

In medieval Europe Uriel was used in theological and literary contexts, which helped preserve the name even when it was not in everyday use. During the modern period it has seen steady, if modest, use in English speaking countries and elsewhere. Uriel therefore carries both an ancient pedigree and a contemporary, international feel. Where variants exist they often reflect local spelling or pronunciation traditions rather than a different name origin.

Popularity of Uriel over time

In 2025, Uriel was given to 63 boys in the UK and 708 boys in the US. Uriel has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now an uncommon boys' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of Uriel?