Uriel

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOOR-ee-el /ˈjʊər.i.əl/High

Meaning: Hebrew name composed of 'ur' (light, flame) and 'el' (God), meaning 'God is my light' or 'flame of God'; borne by one of the archangels in Jewish and Christian traditionHigh

In 30 seconds: Uriel is a powerful Hebrew name meaning 'God is my light,' belonging to one of the archangels. It has ancient religious roots in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition and a striking, distinctive sound.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningHebrew name composed of 'ur' (light, flame) and 'el' (God), meaning 'God is my light' or 'flame of God'; borne by one of the archangels in Jewish and Christian tradition

U.S. rank (2025)#446 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births708 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,072

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Uriel is a Hebrew name combining ur (אוּר, light or flame) and el (אֵל, God), meaning 'God is my light' or 'flame of God.' It is borne by an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, mentioned in deuterocanonical and apocryphal texts including the Book of Enoch. The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries.

In English-speaking countries, Uriel remained rare for much of modern history but has experienced a significant revival in the 21st century, partly driven by interest in angel names and partly through Latin American communities where angelic names are culturally valued. It now ranks in the U.S. top 300 boys' names.

Did you know? Uriel is one of the named archangels in Jewish tradition and appears in texts such as the Book of Enoch and 2 Esdras. In Christian angelology, Uriel is often depicted as the angel of wisdom, carrying a flame or an open book.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Uriel — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

UriAuriel

Nicknames

UriRiel

Famous Bearers

★Uriel (archangel)
Archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, angel of wisdom and light

If you like Uriel…

Gabriel— shares the angelic Hebrew -el ending and the same divine radiance

Raphael— another archangel name with the same celestial gravitas

Azriel— shares the -iel structure and the mystical, angelic quality

Ezekiel— shares the biblical Hebrew heritage and the strong -el ending

Frequently Asked

What does Uriel mean?

Uriel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my light' or 'flame of God,' composed of 'ur' (light, flame) and 'el' (God).

How do you pronounce Uriel?

Uriel is pronounced YOOR-ee-el /ˈjʊər.i.əl/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Uriel an angel's name?

Yes. Uriel is one of the named archangels in Jewish tradition, mentioned in texts like the Book of Enoch, and is recognized in Christian and Islamic angelology as well.

Is Uriel a popular boys' name?

Uriel has been rising in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 300 boys' names, popular especially in Latin American and religious communities.