Tools / Baby names / R

Rigel

Boy

Meaning of Rigel: Arabic: 'foot of the giant'

Rigel is a boy's name most strongly associated with Arabic & Persian naming. It has 5 letters and 2 syllables, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 4945th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#4945

19 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

642

First recorded 1976 · peak 2018

Trend

stable

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 10 babies1982: 10 babies1983: 8 babies1984: 5 babies1985: 6 babies1986: 0 babies1987: 7 babies1988: 6 babies1989: 0 babies1990: 7 babies19901991: 9 babies1992: 6 babies1993: 10 babies1994: 12 babies1995: 9 babies1996: 9 babies1997: 10 babies1998: 9 babies1999: 10 babies2000: 14 babies20002001: 10 babies2002: 11 babies2003: 13 babies2004: 9 babies2005: 11 babies2006: 12 babies2007: 16 babies2008: 15 babies2009: 17 babies2010: 10 babies20102011: 15 babies2012: 11 babies2013: 13 babies2014: 22 babies2015: 32 babies2016: 34 babies2017: 26 babies2018: 34 babies2019: 22 babies2020: 17 babies20202021: 23 babies2022: 20 babies2023: 22 babies2024: 15 babies2025: 19 babies
US babies named Rigel per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 34.

Gender split

98% boys · 2% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More Arabic & Persian boys' names

Other names starting with R