Fun Facts About the Name Gadriel
- 63 babies named Gadriel: U.S. records list 63 babies given the name Gadriel from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Gadriel Mean?
Gadriel is generally explained as a Hebrew name meaning "wall of God," built from gader (or the verb gadar), "wall, fence, to wall up," and El, "God." The same root stands behind the biblical place-name Geder and the ordinary Hebrew word for a wall or hedge. In this reading the name is a statement about God as a protective enclosure, not a description of the person who bears it.
The name is a spelling variant of Gadreel, the form used in older translations of ancient Jewish texts. The shift from -reel to -riel reflects nothing more than variation in carrying the Hebrew vowel into English; e/i swaps are routine in transliterated Hebrew names. A less common proposal links the first element to gad, "fortune" - the word behind the tribe of Gad and the biblical personal name Gadiel - which would give a sense like "fortune of God." That explanation does not account for the r in Gadriel and fits the older form Gadreel less well, so "wall of God" remains the usual understanding. The meaning is inferred from the Hebrew components; no ancient author explains it directly.
Gadriel Name History & Origins
The name is most familiar from the Book of Enoch, a group of ancient Jewish writings preserved complete only in Ge'ez, the classical language of Ethiopia, with Greek and Latin fragments surviving elsewhere. In the passage listing the "watchers" - angels who came down to earth - Gadreel is named and described as the one who led Eve astray and taught people the weapons of war: the shield, the coat of mail, and the sword. This is a literary and religious use of the name, not evidence that it began there.
Because the name reached English mainly through translations of such texts, Gadriel and Gadreel have lived mostly as literary and angelological names rather than as names handed down in ordinary family use. Older English versions of Enoch print "Gadreel"; later translators, retellings, and reference works often use "Gadriel." The name is occasionally given to children today, but it remains uncommon, and its familiarity rests on the older religious literature rather than on wide use. Its resemblance to Gabriel and other angel names ending in -el comes from shared Hebrew structure - the ending simply means "God" - and not from a shared meaning.
How Popular is the Name Gadriel?
Gadriel has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2025. Its best rank was #4,296 in 2025.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #4,296 | 24 | 0.0014% |
| 2024 | #6,951 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2023 | #10,072 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2021 | #10,067 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2020 | #8,984 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #12,702 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Explore More Lists with Name Gadriel
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with G
How the Name Gadriel Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching, but also can be analytical, critical and opinionated. You think deeply and clearly, have an air of mystery, can be solitary and secretive. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you are willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.
✦ Gadriel's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Gadriel's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.