UK boy's name
Or
A masculine name of Hebrew origin representing the concept of light.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2013. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Or is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Or popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2013 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4685, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2013, with 3 births.
This profile covers 3 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2013 to 2013. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Or is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 3 living people in the UK are called Or. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2014 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Or ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales in 2013, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2013, when 3 boys were registered as Or.
- • About 3 living people in the UK are estimated to have Or as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4685
2013
Births in 2013
3
Latest year
Peak year
2013
3 births
Estimated living
3
2026
Meaning
What does Or mean?
The name Or has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, with its roots dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "or," which means "light" or "illumination." This name has been associated with various symbolic meanings throughout history, often representing brightness, knowledge, and enlightenment.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Or can be found in the Hebrew Bible, where it appears as a personal name as well as a reference to light. In the Book of Genesis, the word "or" is used to describe the creation of light on the first day. This biblical connection has given the name a sacred and spiritual connotation within the Jewish tradition.
During the Middle Ages, the name Or gained popularity among Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. It was often bestowed upon individuals with a scholarly or intellectual inclination, as the name's association with light and knowledge was highly valued in those times.
Historically, several notable figures have borne the name Or. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Or ben Shelomoh, a renowned Jewish scholar and philosopher from the 12th century. He was born in Spain and is known for his contributions to the study of Jewish law and ethics.
Another prominent figure was Or Sarua, a Jewish businessman and community leader who lived in the city of Toledo, Spain, during the 13th century. He played a significant role in fostering positive relations between the Jewish and Christian communities in the region.
In more recent times, Or Kaplan was an Israeli military leader and politician who served as the eighth Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 1969 to 1973. He was a key figure during the Yom Kippur War and later entered politics, serving as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament).
Or Shemesh was an Israeli writer and journalist who gained recognition for his works on Israeli society and culture. Born in 1960, he authored several novels and non-fiction books, exploring themes of identity, conflict, and the complexities of life in the Middle East.
Another notable figure was Or Lubrani, an Israeli diplomat and politician who served as the Ambassador of Israel to Iran from 1973 to 1975. He played a crucial role in maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries during a period of significant political turmoil in the region.
While the name Or has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture, it has transcended its origins and gained recognition across various communities and cultures worldwide. Its symbolic association with light and illumination has given it a universal appeal, making it a name cherished by many throughout history.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Or by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Or was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4685 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Or
- Oliver 157,197
- Oscar 67,495
- Owen 33,517
- Ollie 13,193
- Oakley 9,838
- Omar 6,823
- Otis 6,395
- Oskar 4,827
- Olly 4,403
- Otto 3,839
- Osian 3,145
- Owain 2,310
FAQ
Or: questions and answers
How popular is the name Or in the UK right now?
In 2013, Or was ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Or most popular?
The peak year on record was 2013, with 3 babies registered as Or in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Or?
A masculine name of Hebrew origin representing the concept of light.
How many people are called Or in the UK?
A total of 3 babies have been registered as Or across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.