Rigel
A boys’ name of Arabic origin, meaning foot of Orion; a bright star name.
Babies a year
26
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
—
outside the ONS list
Rigel by the numbers
Rigel was given to 26 American babies in 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
Its American peak was 34 babies in 2016, making it a 2010s name.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Rigel. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
Other names that mean light
Like Rigel, each of these has light in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Lucasbringer of light; from Lucania12,963 in the US (2017)
- Lukefrom Lucania; light9,168 in the US (2017)
- Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
- Lucabringer of light3,266 in England and Wales (2025)
- Elliottbright fame; a form of Elijah2,996 in the US (2017)
- Elliotbright fame; a form of Elijah544 in England and Wales (2025)
Other names that mean a star
Like Rigel, each of these has a star in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Novanew; a brightening star650 in England and Wales (2025)
- Orionhunter; name of constellation and mythological figure1,047 in the US (2017)
- Ariesthe ram; zodiac constellation260 in the US (2017)
- Dhruvpole star, steadfast, immovable49 in England and Wales (2025)
- Tariqmorning star or one who knocks36 in England and Wales (2025)
- Arabrings rain; the eagle constellation78 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Rigel
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