Find out how popular the first name Revel has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Revel by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Revel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 66% of people named Revel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 male babies and 17 female babies born with the name Revel.

The history of the first name Revel

The name Revel finds its origins in the Old French word "reveler," which means "to rejoice" or "to make merry." It is derived from the Latin verb "revelare," meaning "to reveal" or "to disclose." This name has been in use since the Middle Ages, primarily in regions where French was spoken or had cultural influence.

In medieval times, the name Revel was often associated with celebrations, feasts, and revelry. It was a popular name among the nobility and upper classes, who frequently hosted lavish events and entertainments. The name may have been given to children born during festive occasions or to those whose birth was celebrated with great joy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Revel can be found in the 12th century French epic poem "The Song of Roland." In this literary work, Revel is mentioned as the name of a knight in Charlemagne's army. This suggests that the name was in use among the French nobility during the Carolingian era.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Revel. In the 14th century, Revel de Vence was a French nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War. Another prominent figure was Revel Keyes (1589-1654), an English soldier and politician who served as the governor of the Isle of Wight during the English Civil War.

In the 18th century, Revel Purey (1707-1788) was an English clergyman and author who wrote several theological works. During the same period, Revel Williams Massey (1777-1857) was a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy and participated in the Napoleonic Wars.

In more recent times, Revel Crist (1913-1994) was an American actor and stunt performer who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the mid-20th century. He is perhaps best known for his work in westerns and his collaborations with director John Ford.

While the name Revel has largely fallen out of common use in modern times, its historical roots and associations with joy, celebration, and revelry make it a unique and intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich 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 Revel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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