Girl · 41st of 30,306
Hazel
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
299,063
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
7,680
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Hazel stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Hazel originates from Old English, meaning the hazel tree, which symbolizes wisdom and protection. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity as a feminine name in the late 19th century. Today, it is perceived as a stylish name associated with nature. There are notable figures with this name, contributing to its positive image.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈheɪ.zəl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Hazel is derived from the Old English word 'haesel,' which refers to the hazel tree. The tree is associated with wisdom and protection.
Meaning
The name refers to the hazel tree and symbolizes wisdom, protection, and inspiration.
Language Evolution
Haesel (Old English), Hasel (Middle English), Hazel (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Hazel gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a given name for girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Hazelina, Hazelbert, Haze
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hazel is viewed as a vintage yet trendy name, often associated with nature and femininity.
Famous People
Hazel Scott, an American jazz pianist and actress, Hazel O'Leary, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga, Canada
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,680 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 725th of 7545 | 1,264 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 984th of 6773 | 788 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1994th of 7552 | 305 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6035th of 10718 | 42 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12331st of 16616 | 17 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 12085th of 24088 | 56 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5010th of 23106 | 227 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 31st of 9107 | 128,616 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 103rd of 9204 | 48,290 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 290th of 12526 | 17,203 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 771st of 19264 | 2,974 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1209th of 27321 | 2,144 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 442nd of 35406 | 11,078 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 41st of 30306 | 59,670 |