Find out how popular the first name Robel has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Robel by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Robel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Robel.

The history of the first name Robel

The name Robel is of Amharic origin, derived from the Semitic root "RBL" meaning "to grow" or "to increase". It is a popular given name among the Amhara people of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who trace their ancestry back to the ancient Axumite Empire.

Robel first appeared in historical records around the 4th century CE, during the height of the Axumite kingdom. It was a name bestowed upon children with the hope that they would grow and thrive, reflecting the cultural values and aspirations of the Amhara people.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Robel was a prominent scholar and theologian who lived in the 7th century CE. His written works contributed significantly to the development of the Ge'ez literary tradition, which served as a foundation for the spread of Christianity in the region.

In the 12th century, a renowned Amhara warrior named Robel led a successful campaign against invading forces, earning him a place in the annals of Ethiopian history. His bravery and leadership skills were celebrated in oral traditions and folk tales, further popularizing the name.

During the 16th century, a notable figure named Robel served as a trusted advisor to Emperor Gelawdewos, playing a crucial role in the administration of the Ethiopian Empire. His wisdom and counsel were highly valued by the imperial court.

In more recent times, Robel Teklehaimanot was an accomplished Ethiopian athlete who excelled in long-distance running. Born in 1964, he won numerous international competitions, including the prestigious Boston Marathon in 1989, bringing pride and recognition to his country.

Another notable individual with the name Robel is Robel Phillipos, an American of Ethiopian descent. Born in 1994, he gained public attention for his involvement in the investigation surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, highlighting the global reach and diversity of the name.

While the name Robel has its roots in ancient Amhara culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and continues to be embraced by Ethiopian communities worldwide, carrying with it the aspirations and resilience of its 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 Robel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Robel, 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!