Origin and Meaning of Oral

Meaning & Origin

Pertaining to the mouth; spoken rather than written

Origin: English - Derived from the Latin word 'oralis', which relates to the mouth. The name can also have connections with the act of speaking.

Interesting Facts

  • The name Oral gained particular visibility in the 20th century, mainly in the United States.
  • In some cultures, the name Oral may carry connotations of oral traditions, which are the ways cultures transmit knowledge through spoken word.
  • Notable bearers include Oral Roberts, a prominent American evangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University.
  • While not extremely popular, the name Oral saw a rise in use during the 1920s to the 1950s, after which its usage began to decline.
  • Variations or similar-sounding names include Orel, which is a more modern and unisex version.