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Rigel
Pronounced RY-jəl /ˈraɪ.dʒəl/Medium
Meaning: From Arabic rijl, 'a foot' — the brilliant blue star Rigel marks the foot of the constellation OrionMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Rigel comes from Arabic rijl, 'a foot' (from Rijl Jauza al-Yusra, 'the left foot of the central one') — the name of the brilliant blue-white supergiant star that marks the foot of the constellation Orion, among the brightest stars in the night sky. A bold, celestial, modern name (said 'RY-jəl'; nickname Rige).
In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, the-foot-of-Orion at the root, and celestial.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Rigel mean?
Rigel is Arabic for 'a foot' — the bright blue star marking the foot of Orion.
How do you pronounce Rigel?
It's said RY-jəl /ˈraɪ.dʒəl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Rigel a boy or girl name?
Rigel is most often a boy's name (used for both sexes).
How popular is Rigel?
Rigel is a rare name in the U.S.