Gabriel Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation

ByNamelyra Editorial Team

Gabriel is a Hebrew-origin boy’s name meaning “God is my strength,” from the Hebrew phrase Gavri El.
Meaning God is my strength
Origin Hebrew (Gavri El)
Pronunciation GAY-bree-uhl
Gender Boy
Related forms Gabriele (Italian form), Gabriele (used for both genders in Italy), Gavriel (Hebrew form)

Origin and history

Gabriel comes directly from the Hebrew phrase Gavri El, meaning God is my strength. The name is inseparable from the archangel Gabriel, a messenger figure recognized across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, most notably as the angel who announces significant news in several Biblical and Quranic narratives. That shared religious significance across three major traditions has kept the name in continuous, widespread use for centuries across a huge range of languages and cultures.

Is Gabriel a boy or girl name?

Gabriel is used predominantly as a boy’s name in most English-speaking countries, though the Italian form Gabriele is notably used for both genders in Italy.

Nicknames for Gabriel

  • Gabe

Names similar to Gabriel

  • Gabriele (the Italian form, used for both genders)
  • Gavriel (a Hebrew form closer to the original phrase)

Frequently asked questions

Is Gabriel connected to the archangel Gabriel?

Yes, directly. The name comes from the same figure recognized across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as a messenger angel, which is the main reason for its long, wide use across so many different religious and cultural traditions.

Is Gabriel used for girls anywhere?

The Italian form, Gabriele, is used for both genders in Italy, though in most English-speaking countries Gabriel is used almost exclusively as a boy’s name.

Is Gabriel currently a popular name?

Yes, it has been one of the most used boys’ names in several English-speaking and Spanish-speaking countries in recent years.

Related reading

Related culture pages: Biblical boy names, Hebrew and Jewish names. Parent hub: name meanings.