Revel
Primarily a boy's name of Old French origin with 340 recorded births. Also given to 137 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Revel is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, from the Old French revel, meaning 'revelry,' 'joyful celebration,' or 'rebellion.' As a given name, it captures the spirit of someone who approaches life with exuberance — someone who makes every gathering feel like a celebration.
Revel is an audacious, joyful choice — a name that tells the world this child arrived ready to celebrate.
EtymologyShow more
Though Revel dates back to 1915 in U.S. records, its etymological path is not always straightforward. Names that predate modern naming databases sometimes resist easy classification — they may have been oral traditions, regional family names, or adaptations that were never systematically recorded. The Old French classification provides a starting point, but the full derivation likely involves more nuance than a single label can capture.
With only 340 recorded births, Revel has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Revel has 33+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 119 | #4410 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 113 | #7135 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 11 | #12175 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | #9309 | — |
| 1980s | 5 | #7360 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 15 | #4320 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 21 | #3124 | — |
| 1930s | 22 | #3960 | — |
| 1920s | 24 | #4192 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 5 | #4289 | — |
The Story of Revel
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2022, Revel is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Revel are most likely born between 2012 and 2024.
How rare is Revel?
Only about 1 in every 163,636 babies born in 2024 was named Revel — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2020s with 119 births that decade.
Revel by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(33 years, 1915–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | #4658 |
| 2023 | 22 | #4707 |
| 2022 | 28 | #3964 |
| 2021 | 25 | #4205 |
| 2020 | 22 | #4514 |
| 2019 | 14 | #6336 |
| 2018 | 19 | #5066 |
| 2017 | 12 | #7013 |
| 2016 | 12 | #7046 |
| 2015 | 18 | #5239 |
| 2014 | 8 | #9434 |
| 2013 | 11 | #7447 |
| 2012 | 10 | #8011 |
| 2011 | 9 | #8619 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12244 |
| 2002 | 5 | #12106 |
| 1991 | 5 | #9309 |
| 1985 | 5 | #7360 |
| 1957 | 5 | #4433 |
| 1955 | 5 | #4285 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Revel as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Revel has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 137 births since 1933.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revel a boy's or girl's name?
When was Revel most popular?
How popular is the name Revel?
Can Revel be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–2024