The name Loyal has its origins in the Old French word 'loial', which means faithful or true. It is derived from the Latin word 'legalis', meaning 'legal' or 'lawful'. The name first appeared around the 12th century in France and later spread to other parts of Europe.

During the Middle Ages, the virtue of loyalty was highly valued, and the name Loyal was often given to children as a reminder of this important quality. In medieval literature, the concept of loyalty was frequently explored, with knights and noblemen expected to be loyal to their lords and kings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Loyal can be found in the 13th century French epic poem 'La Chanson de Roland'. This poem tells the story of Roland, a loyal knight who fought and died for his king, Charlemagne. The name Loyal was likely popularized by this work and others like it, which celebrated the ideals of chivalry and loyalty.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Loyal. In the 16th century, Loyal Desjardins (1505-1572) was a French Catholic priest and diplomat who served as the ambassador of France to the Holy See. Loyal Durand (1612-1683) was a French Protestant theologian and philosopher known for his works on the nature of human understanding.

In the 18th century, Loyal Blew (1732-1795) was an English merchant and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London. Loyal Legouvé (1764-1812) was a French dramatist and poet who was a member of the Académie Française.

In the 19th century, Loyal Millikin (1837-1892) was an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He was known for his loyalty to his community and his support of education.

While the name Loyal has fallen out of popular use in recent decades, it remains a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and commitment to one's principles.