Azalea
Azalea is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Dry, referring to the azalea flower which thrives in dry or well-drained soil.
Origin and history
Azalea is a floral name derived from the Greek word for dry, referring to the plant's natural soil preference. It gained popularity in the United States as part of a modern botanical naming trend. Its usage has risen notably in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
11,739 babies in the United States have been named Azalea since 1880. It ranks #1493 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #371.
States where it is most popular
- CA (18.5 %)
- TX (15.7 %)
- FL (5.3 %)
- NY (4.9 %)
- AZ (3.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 59 |
| 1910-1920 | 118 |
| 1920-1930 | 127 |
| 1930-1940 | 55 |
| 1940-1950 | 32 |
| 1950-1960 | 81 |
| 1960-1970 | 43 |
| 1970-1980 | 135 |
| 1980-1990 | 162 |
| 1990-2000 | 384 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,094 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,457 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,992 |
Nicknames
Zalea, Lea, Zell
Fun facts
- The name originates from the Greek word 'azaleos', meaning dry, because the shrub flourishes in dry soil.
- Azalea has experienced a significant surge in U.S. popularity since the 2010s, mirroring the broader revival of flower names.