Doel first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Doel has been for the last 23 years (from 1993 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Doel

Anglicized form of the Germanic name Doël, meaning "rich valley or settlement".

Popularity of Doel by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Doel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Doel.

Year Male Count Female Count
2015 5 0
2000 5 0
1993 5 0

The history of the first name Doel

The name Doel is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Dutch word "doel," which means "goal" or "target." This name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in the Netherlands and surrounding regions.

Doel was initially used as a surname, often referring to individuals who lived near a specific target or destination. Over time, it transitioned into a given name, potentially symbolizing ambition, determination, or a sense of purpose.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Doel can be found in the Dutch historical records from the 14th century, where it appeared as a surname for families residing in various towns and villages across the Netherlands.

In terms of historical figures bearing this name, Doel van Amstel (1350-1420) was a notable Dutch merchant and trader who played a significant role in establishing trade routes between the Netherlands and other European countries during the Late Middle Ages.

Another prominent individual with the name Doel was Doel van Heemskerk (1498-1567), a Dutch naval commander and explorer who led several expeditions to the Americas and the Far East in the 16th century, contributing to the expansion of Dutch maritime exploration and trade.

In the realm of literature, Doel van Leiden (1572-1638) was a Dutch playwright and poet renowned for his works that captured the essence of life in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age.

Moving forward in history, Doel van Delft (1680-1756) was a renowned Dutch painter and etcher, known for his masterful depictions of landscapes and cityscapes, which have become iconic representations of the Dutch Baroque period.

Lastly, Doel van Rotterdam (1825-1901) was a notable Dutch engineer and inventor who contributed significantly to the development of early steam engine technology, paving the way for advancements in transportation and industrialization in the 19th century.

While the name Doel may not be as common today as it once was, its rich historical roots and associations with ambition, exploration, and artistic expression continue to resonate within the Dutch cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Doel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Doel, please contact us.

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"Doel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/doel-meaning-and-history/.

"Doel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/doel-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 July, 2025

Doel first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/doel-meaning-and-history/.

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