The name Moriel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical name Muriel, which means "shining light" or "bright vision". It is believed to have its roots in the ancient Hebrew words "mor" meaning "myrrh" and "El" meaning "God".

The earliest recorded use of the name Moriel can be traced back to the Book of Ezra in the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as the name of a Levite who assisted in the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

In the Middle Ages, the name Moriel gained popularity among Jewish communities in Europe, particularly in France and Germany. One notable bearer of the name was Moriel ben Yosef, a 12th-century French rabbi and scholar who wrote extensively on Jewish law and philosophy.

During the Renaissance period, the name Moriel was sometimes used as a variant of the name Muriel, which was popular among Christian communities in England and France. One famous bearer of this name was Moriel de Monchaux, a 16th-century French noblewoman and courtier who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine de' Medici.

In the 17th century, the name Moriel was adopted by some Puritans in England, who were attracted to its Biblical roots and association with light and vision. One notable Puritan bearer of the name was Moriel Browne, a 17th-century English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works.

In more recent history, the name Moriel has been used by various individuals across different cultures and religions. One notable bearer was Moriel Avitzur, an Israeli painter and artist who was born in 1935 and is known for her abstract expressionist works.

Another famous individual with the name Moriel was Moriel Rothman-Zecher, an American author and activist born in 1984, who has written books exploring themes of identity, conflict, and social justice in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.