What does Reuel mean and where does it come from?
Reuel (רְאוּאֵל) is a Hebrew name which appears in the Bible. It is associated with figures such as Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, and is considered to mean 'friend of God'. The name has been used throughout Jewish history and often carries a spiritual weight. Reuel is a unique choice that may
Cultural significance
Reuel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of רְאוּאֵל.
Peak popularity
Reached #1031 in 1893 — currently #3858 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reuel?
Reuel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reuel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reuel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reuel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reuel Claire
French influence · crisp
Reuel Jane
Literary · strong
Reuel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reuel right now?
Rising fast — up 207 spots — currently #3858 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3858 | 29 | ▲ up 207 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #4065 | 27 | ▲ up 1664 · +69% births |
| 2021 | #5729 | 16 | ▼ down 529 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #5200 | 17 | ▲ up 3575 · +113% births |
| 2015 | #8775 | 8 | ▼ down 1171 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #7604 | 10 | ▲ up 1557 · +43% births |
| 2005 | #9161 | 7 | ▼ down 2286 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #6875 | 9 | ▲ up 371 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #7246 | 6 | ▼ down 3363 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #3883 | 10 | ▲ up 940 · +100% births |
| 1970 | #4823 | 5 | ▼ down 1770 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #3053 | 8 | ▲ up 214 · +14% births |
| 1955 | #3267 | 7 | ▲ up 146 · +17% births |
| 1950 | #3413 | 6 | ▼ down 333 |
| 1945 | #3080 | 6 | — |
The story of Reuel
Reuel has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. With 823 total births recorded, Reuel remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1223 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3858 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Reuel in 1893:
Reuel by decade
Reuel peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 16 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 81 | |
| 1920s | 120 | |
| 1930s | 83 | |
| 1940s | 62 | |
| 1950s | 72 | |
| 1960s | 38 | |
| 1970s | 39 | |
| 1980s | 41 | |
| 1990s | 51 | |
| 2000s | 77 | |
| 2010s ★ | 121 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Reuel has only 823 total recorded births since 1893 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Reuel?
Famous people named Reuel
R(
Reuel (historical figure)
Reuel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Reuel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reuel also consider these
How is Reuel written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Reuel
What does the name Reuel mean?
Reuel means "רְאוּאֵל" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Reuel?
Reuel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Reuel have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Reuel?
Reuel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Reuel sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Reuel flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Reuel ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Reuel trending right now?
Reuel is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.