Sophal
A boy's name of Khmer origin with 37 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 37 babies have been named Sophal in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
Sophal is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Sophal is a boy's baby name of Khmer origin, from the Khmer language of Cambodia, meaning 'good, kind, virtuous' or 'one who is refined and gentle.' It is a traditional Cambodian name widely used in Cambodia and among the Cambodian diaspora.
Sophal is a genuinely beautiful name from the Khmer naming tradition — one of Southeast Asia's oldest living languages and cultures. Cambodia's rich heritage of temple architecture, classical dance, and Buddhist philosophy is embedded in names like Sophal, which expresses the highest aspirations for a child's character. For Cambodian-heritage families, it is a meaningful connection to that extraordinary cultural legacy.
EtymologyShow more
Sophal first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1984. First appearing in the 1980s, Sophal emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Khmer classification suggests a path from khmer linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sophal has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1984.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 37 | — |
The Story of Sophal
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1985, Sophal is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Sophal are most likely born between 1984 and 1989.
How rare is Sophal?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sophal is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1984, peaked in the 1980s with 37 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 1984–1989)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 5 | #9058 |
| 1988 | 6 | #7133 |
| 1987 | 5 | #7980 |
| 1986 | 7 | #5845 |
| 1985 | 8 | #5084 |
| 1984 | 6 | #6218 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sophal a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sophal most popular?
How popular is the name Sophal?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1984–1989