Hazel
Hazel is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Hazel tree or hazelnut.
Origin and history
Hazel derives from the Old English word 'hæsel', referring to the hazel tree or hazelnut. Historically used primarily for females, it has a long-standing history of rare but consistent use for males in the United States. Today, it remains predominantly feminine, though it retains some crossover usage for boys as a nature name.
Popularity in the United States
2,889 babies in the United States have been named Hazel since 1880. It ranks #2410 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1756.
States where it is most popular
- SC (59 %)
- NC (23.3 %)
- KY (4.4 %)
- GA (3.2 %)
- TN (2.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 32 |
| 1890-1900 | 119 |
| 1900-1910 | 189 |
| 1910-1920 | 561 |
| 1920-1930 | 643 |
| 1930-1940 | 471 |
| 1940-1950 | 301 |
| 1950-1960 | 148 |
| 1960-1970 | 77 |
| 1970-1980 | 24 |
| 1980-1990 | 5 |
| 1990-2000 | 12 |
| 2000-2010 | 41 |
| 2010-2019 | 95 |
| 2020-2029 | 171 |
Famous people named Hazel
- Hazel Short: Fictional character
Fun facts
- The name originally stems from the Old English word for the hazel tree, historically associated with wisdom and protection.
- Although modern usage leans overwhelmingly female, Hazel was regularly given to American boys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.