Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Azalea has its origins in Greek, meaning 'dry'. It evolved through Latin and into Modern English. The name is associated with the flowering plant, symbolizing beauty and resilience. It does not have a biblical background, but it gained popularity in the late 19th century, reflecting a trend towards floral names. Its modern perception is positive, linked to nature and femininity.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/əˈzeɪliə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Azalea is derived from the Greek word 'azaleos', meaning 'dry', which refers to the plant's ability to thrive in well-drained soil.
Meaning
Dry
Language Evolution
Azalea (Modern English), Azaleas (Latin), Azaleos (Ancient Greek)
Historical Usage
The name Azalea gained popularity in the late 19th century as a result of the floral naming trend, particularly in the context of horticulture.
Variants & Derivatives
Aza, Zalea
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Azalea is perceived as a feminine name that evokes images of beauty and nature, often associated with the flowering shrub.
Famous People
Azalea Banks (rapper), Azalea DeGroot (artist)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 868 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 46 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2180th of 9107 | 281 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3910th of 9204 | 99 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4964th of 12526 | 118 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5186th of 19264 | 163 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4126th of 27321 | 364 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1665th of 35406 | 1,930 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 499th of 30306 | 7,663 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
80.39% 1902nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
79.47% 1931st/2430 |
93.94% 2680th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
100.00% 2937th/2937 |
- | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
- |
57.12% 2967th/5194 |
39.16% 2474th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
43.30% 1984th/4582 |
36.08% 1863rd/5164 |
24.97% 1826th/7313 |
16.76% 1251st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
12.22% 487th/3984 |
13.66% 613th/4487 |
8.22% 561st/6822 |
5.75% 361st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2180th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3910th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4964th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5186th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4126th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1665th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 499th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.