Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Ezra is a Hebrew name meaning 'help', derived from the word 'azar'. It has evolved through Greek and Latin forms and is associated with a significant biblical figure known for his leadership in Jerusalem. The name has historical roots that date back to the Protestant Reformation, and it is seen positively today. Popular variants include Esdras and Ez. Notable individuals with this name include the poet Ezra Pound and musician Ezra Koenig.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛzrə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Ezra comes from the Hebrew word 'azar', which means 'to help' or 'to support'.
Meaning
help
Language Evolution
Ezra (Hebrew), Esdras (Greek), Ezra (Latin)
Biblical Background
Ezra is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as a scribe and leader who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation and has remained in use since, particularly among Jewish communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Esdras, Ez, Ezzie
Modern Popularity & Image
Ezra is perceived as a strong, classic name that carries historical and biblical significance. It has gained popularity in recent years, especially in Western cultures.
Famous People
Ezra Pound (American poet), Ezra Koenig (lead singer of Vampire Weekend), Ezra Cornell (founder of Cornell University)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 9,172 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 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 1 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) | Boy | 492nd of 7545 | 2,493 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 716th of 6773 | 1,383 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 938th of 7552 | 1,202 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 781st of 10718 | 1,735 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 702nd of 16616 | 3,177 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 331st of 24088 | 14,886 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 56th of 23106 | 72,865 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5908th of 9107 | 31 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11116th of 19264 | 35 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9361st of 27321 | 107 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2728th of 35406 | 956 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 916th of 30306 | 3,547 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
38.49% 545th/1416 |
40.61% 560th/1379 |
16.82% 398th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
54.27% 839th/1546 |
41.52% 646th/1556 |
25.33% 596th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
46.25% 1030th/2227 |
31.56% 767th/2430 |
39.89% 1138th/2853 |
57.80% 1604th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
30.13% 885th/2937 |
18.86% 657th/3483 |
27.94% 983rd/3518 |
16.77% 678th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
19.27% 710th/3685 |
12.22% 547th/4475 |
17.12% 889th/5194 |
11.18% 706th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.01% 321st/4582 |
6.00% 310th/5164 |
5.65% 413th/7313 |
3.63% 271st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.51% 60th/3984 |
1.94% 87th/4487 |
0.84% 57th/6822 |
0.62% 39th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female 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) |
- | - | - |
80.86% 5108th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
59.10% 2708th/4582 |
67.82% 3502nd/5164 |
40.13% 2935th/7313 |
34.99% 2611th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.98% 756th/3984 |
29.89% 1341st/4487 |
14.15% 965th/6822 |
14.28% 896th/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 Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. 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 male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 492nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 716th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 938th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 781st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 702nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 331st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 56th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5908th out of 9107 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11116th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9361st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2728th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 916th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.