Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Armel

Armel

♂ Boy

Pronounced ar-MEL /ɑrˈmɛl/Medium

Meaning: From Breton/Welsh arth, 'a bear', plus mael, 'a prince; a chief'; 'bear prince; bear chief'Low

In 30 seconds: Bear prince; bear chief: Armel is Breton for 'bear prince'. Crisp, strong, and warm (said 'ar-MEL').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumBreton, Celtic
MeaningFrom Breton/Welsh arth, 'a bear', plus mael, 'a prince; a chief'; 'bear prince; bear chief'
U.S. rank (2025)#6475 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 280

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519152025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Armel comes from the Breton/Welsh arth, 'a bear', plus mael, 'a prince; a chief' — 'bear prince; bear chief'. Borne by a beloved 6th-century Breton saint. A crisp, strong name (said 'ar-MEL'; nickname Arm).

In the U.S. it appears in Breton, French, and West African families. Rare, bear-prince at the root, and strong.

Did you know? Armel joins the Breton arth, 'a bear', with mael, 'a prince; a chief' — 'bear prince' — a crisp, strong name borne by a 6th-century Breton saint (said 'ar-MEL').
Overall data confidence 58%
Behind the Name — Armel — Breton etymology

Variations

ArzhelArmael

Nicknames

Arm

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Armel…

Arthur— a kin 'bear' boys' name
Gael— a fellow Breton boys' name
Mael— a kin mael-/'prince' Breton boys' name
Amael— lands in the same popularity range
Allan— shares Armel's Breton roots

Explore names like Armel

By themecelticbreton
By meaningRoyal / NobleLeader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Armel mean?

Armel is Breton for 'bear prince; bear chief'.

How do you pronounce Armel?

It's said ar-MEL /ɑrˈmɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Armel a boy or girl name?

Armel is a boy's name.

How popular is Armel?

Armel is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia