Rizal

♂ Boy

Pronounced ree-SAHL /riːˈsɑːl/Medium

Meaning: Rizal is a Filipino surname of Spanish form, generally traced to ricial, a word for a field where green shoots grow again after cutting. As a given name it honours Jose Rizal, the writer and reformer executed in 1896 and revered as the national hero of the Philippines.Low

In 30 seconds: A hero's name: Rizal honours Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines (said 'ree-SAHL').

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Origin MediumFilipino, Spanish

MeaningRizal is a Filipino surname of Spanish form, generally traced to ricial, a word for a field where green shoots grow again after cutting. As a given name it honours Jose Rizal, the writer and reformer executed in 1896 and revered as the national hero of the Philippines.

U.S. rank (2024)#13784 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 10

History & Origin

Rizal is a Filipino surname of Spanish form, usually traced to ricial, a field where shoots grow green again after being cut. It is carried far beyond one family because of Jose Rizal, the novelist and reformer whose writings stirred the Philippine national awakening and who was executed in 1896; he is honoured as the country's national hero, and the name is given with that respect (said 'ree-SAHL').

In the U.S. it is very rare as a first name. Rare, proud, and historically weighted.

Did you know? Jose Rizal — writer, doctor, reformer — is the national hero of the Philippines; his novels helped awaken a nation and cost him his life in 1896. The surname itself is traced to a word for a field that grows green again after cutting (said 'ree-SAHL').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Rizal — Filipino surname; honours Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero

Variations

RizálRizzalRisal

Nicknames

RizZal

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rizal…

Jose— the first name of the hero himself

Andres— a like Filipino name of national memory

Bonifacio— a same-era Philippine hero's name

Emilio— a like Spanish-Filipino classic

Explore names like Rizal

By themespanish surname-name historic filipino

By meaningGift / Blessing Earth / Nature Honor

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rizal mean?

Rizal is a Filipino surname, traced to a Spanish word for a field of new green shoots. As a given name it honours Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.

How do you pronounce Rizal?

It's said ree-SAHL /riːˈsɑːl/ — two syllables, stress on the last.

Is Rizal a boy or girl name?

Rizal is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rizal?

Rizal is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.