Gabriel: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my strength' or 'strong man of God'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- GAY-bree-ulˈɡeɪ.bri.əl
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my strength' or 'strong man of God'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 3
- Nicknames
- Gabe, Gabby, Gabi
- US Popularity (2025)
- #37 — 📉 Falling
What Does Gabriel Mean?
Gabriel comes from the Hebrew Gavri'el, built from gever, meaning 'strong man' or 'warrior', and El, meaning 'God', so it is usually translated 'God is my strength'. Gabriel is an archangel in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition: in the Gospel of Luke he announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, and in the Quran Jibril delivers revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.
The name has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries and in France, Spain and Latin America for much longer. It has stayed in the US top 50 for years and shortens to Gabe, with the nickname Gabby more often used for girls named Gabrielle.
How Popular Is Gabriel?
Gabriel has eased from #25 in 2016 to #37 in 2025, but has stayed within a narrow range since 2019.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Gabriel
Classic pairings
- Gabriel James
- Gabriel Alexander
- Gabriel William
- Gabriel Henry
Modern pairings
- Gabriel Atlas
- Gabriel Wilder
- Gabriel Jasper
- Gabriel Beckett
One-syllable options
- Gabriel Reid
- Gabriel Cole
- Gabriel Grant
- Gabriel Blake
Family-name bridges
- Gabriel John
- Gabriel Thomas
- Gabriel Daniel
- Gabriel Joseph
Names Similar to Gabriel
If you love Gabriel, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Gabriel
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Gabriel
- Gabriel García MárquezColombian novelist and Nobel laureate, author of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'.
- Gabriel FauréFrench composer known for his Requiem and chamber music.
- Archangel GabrielMessenger angel in the Bible and the Quran.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gabriel
Is Gabriel a boy or girl name?
Gabriel is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Gabriel?
Gabriel is pronounced GAY-bree-ul (IPA: ˈɡeɪ.bri.əl). It has 3 syllables. Common nicknames include Gabe, Gabby, Gabi.
Is Gabriel a Hebrew name?
Gabriel is of Hebrew origin. Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my strength' or 'strong man of God'.
What does Gabriel mean?
Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my strength' or 'strong man of God'.
Gabriel comes from the Hebrew Gavri'el, built from gever, meaning 'strong man' or 'warrior', and El, meaning 'God', so it is usually translated 'God is my strength'. Gabriel is an archangel in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition: in the Gospel of Luke he announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, and in the Quran Jibril delivers revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.
Is Gabriel a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Gabriel is a highly popular name. It ranked #37 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Gabriel has eased from #25 in 2016 to #37 in 2025, but has stayed within a narrow range since 2019.
What are good middle names for Gabriel?
Good middle names for Gabriel include classic choices like Gabriel James and Gabriel Alexander, modern options like Gabriel Atlas and Gabriel Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Gabriel Reid and Gabriel Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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