Royal

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROY-ul /ˈrɔɪ.əl/High

Meaning: Of the king; regal; from Old French roial (kingly, royal), from Latin regalis (of the king, from rex: king)High

In 30 seconds: A title word-name meaning 'of the king' or 'regal,' from Latin rex (king) via Old French roial. One of the most aspirational concept names — naming a child for the idea of royalty itself.

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Origin HighFrench, Latin

MeaningOf the king; regal; from Old French roial (kingly, royal), from Latin regalis (of the king, from rex: king)

U.S. rank (2025)#1663 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births125 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,315

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

Royal is an English title word from Old French roial (kingly), from Latin regalis (of the king). As a given name it is a modern American concept name, similar to King, Prince, and Reign, used for both boys and girls.

Royal ranked #1225 for girls in 2024. It also charts for boys.

Did you know? Latin rex (king) gave English 'regal,' 'reign,' 'royal,' 'regulate,' and 'rector' — all from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to move in a straight line' (the idea being that a king is someone who rules by putting things in order).

Overall data confidence 96%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RoyaleRoyall

Nicknames

Roy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Royal…

Reign— royalty concept name in the same aspirational tradition

King— title name with the same regal aspirational quality

Prince— royalty title name in the same naming category

Noble— virtue/title name with the same elevated aspirational quality

Explore names like Royal

By themelatin unisex two-syllable french aspirational title-name royalty

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Royal mean?

Royal means 'of the king' or 'regal,' from Old French roial and Latin regalis (of the king, from rex: king).

How do you pronounce Royal?

It's said ROY-ul — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Royal a boy or girl name?

Royal is used for both sexes.

How popular is Royal?

Royal ranked #1225 for U.S. girls in 2024.