Retal first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Retal has been for the last 17 years (from 2008 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Retal

A modern invented name of unknown meaning.

Popularity of Retal by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Retal is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 37 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Retal.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 37
2023 0 26
2022 0 21
2021 0 19
2020 0 27
2019 0 32
2018 0 27
2017 0 13
2016 0 18
2015 0 23
2014 0 16
2013 0 24
2012 0 10
2011 0 9
2010 0 10
2009 0 5
2008 0 7

The history of the first name Retal

The given name Retal has its origins in the ancient Sumerian language, one of the earliest known civilizations in the world, dating back to around 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The name is derived from the Sumerian word "re'talu," which roughly translates to "one who brings light" or "illuminator."

This name was commonly used among the Sumerians, particularly for those who held positions of great importance or were revered for their wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that the name was often bestowed upon scholars, philosophers, and those who played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Retal can be found in the ancient Sumerian cuneiform tablets, which document various aspects of their civilization, including records of names. These tablets provide valuable insights into the significance and meaning of the name during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Retal. One such figure was Retal the Sage, a renowned Sumerian philosopher who lived around 2500 BCE. He was widely respected for his teachings on ethics, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Another noteworthy bearer of the name was Retal of Nippur, a prominent Sumerian scribe who lived around 2200 BCE. He was renowned for his exceptional calligraphic skills and his contributions to the preservation of ancient Sumerian literature and historical records.

In the realm of religion, the name Retal also held significance. The ancient Sumerian pantheon included a minor deity known as Retal, who was associated with wisdom, learning, and the dissemination of knowledge. This deity was often invoked by scholars and those seeking enlightenment.

Moving forward in time, the name Retal also made an appearance in the works of several ancient Greek philosophers and historians, though its usage was relatively rare in this context.

One notable figure who bore the name was Retal of Ephesus, a Greek philosopher who lived around the 5th century BCE. He is credited with advancing several philosophical ideas, particularly in the realm of ethics and moral philosophy.

While the name Retal has largely fallen out of common usage in modern times, its rich historical significance and connection to ancient civilizations, wisdom, and enlightenment make it a fascinating subject of study for onomatologists and scholars alike.

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 Retal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Retal first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 22, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/retal-meaning-and-history/.

"Retal first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/retal-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 22 September, 2025

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

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.