Hazel Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationHAY-zuhl / /ˈheɪ.zəl/English; Old English
Meaning
The hazel tree; nut
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hazel originates from the Old English word "hæsel," which referred to the hazel tree, a plant known for its nuts and flexible branches. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*hazwō," which also relates to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German "hasal" and the Old Norse "hesli." The name entered the English language during the early medieval period, becoming associated not only with the tree but also with the qualities of wisdom and protection, as hazel trees were often linked to divination and magic in various cultures.
Historically, the name Hazel gained prominence in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly in the context of literature and the arts. It appears in notable works such as George Eliot's novel "Middlemarch" published in 1871, where the character of Hazel is depicted with depth and complexity. The name also has biblical connections, as the hazel tree is mentioned in various texts, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, which contributed to its cultural resonance.
In addition to its literary significance, Hazel has been associated with various traditions and folklore. In Celtic mythology, the hazel tree is revered as a source of wisdom and inspiration, often linked to the stories of the Salmon of Knowledge. This connection to wisdom further solidified the name's symbolic meaning over the centuries. The name has also been used in various diminutive forms, such as Haze, which reflect its enduring appeal. Overall, the name Hazel carries a rich tapestry of linguistic roots and cultural significance, rooted in nature and tradition.
Trend Summary
The name Hazel has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Haze
- Hazelina
International Variants
- Hazelle (French)
- Hazel (Dutch)
Famous people named Hazel
Hazel Scott is a pianist and actress best known for Rhapsody in Blue, The Heat's On, and her performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Hazel Mae is a television personality best known for her work as a sports anchor on NESN and as a host on various sports programs.
Fictional characters named Hazel
Hazel Grace Lancaster is a fictional character from the novel and film The Fault in Our Stars. She is a teenager battling cancer who navigates love and loss while attending a support group.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hazel was first seen in the United States in 1880. Hazel has ranked as high as #55 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in North Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Hazel has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Hazel (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 621 | |
TX | 546 | |
OH | 269 | |
FL | 268 | |
NC | 217 | |
PA | 215 | |
TN | 214 | |
NY | 206 | |
GA | 199 | |
WA | 194 | |
IL | 194 | |
IN | 175 | |
MO | 174 | |
MN | 161 | |
CO | 159 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 21 |
1881 | 50 |
1882 | 73 |
1883 | 123 |
1884 | 209 |
1885 | 281 |
1886 | 429 |
1887 | 504 |
1888 | 898 |
1889 | 1,056 |
1890 | 1,366 |
1891 | 1,447 |
1892 | 1,897 |
1893 | 2,052 |
1894 | 2,103 |
1895 | 2,252 |
1896 | 2,226 |
1897 | 2,339 |
1898 | 2,439 |
1899 | 2,033 |
1900 | 2,425 |
1901 | 2,097 |
1902 | 2,238 |
1903 | 2,139 |
1904 | 2,301 |
1905 | 2,351 |
1906 | 2,315 |
1907 | 2,530 |
1908 | 2,698 |
1909 | 2,708 |
1910 | 3,032 |
1911 | 3,290 |
1912 | 4,197 |
1913 | 4,589 |
1914 | 5,324 |
1915 | 7,092 |
1916 | 7,214 |
1917 | 7,285 |
1918 | 7,615 |
1919 | 7,430 |
1920 | 7,308 |
1921 | 7,341 |
1922 | 6,757 |
1923 | 6,246 |
1924 | 6,342 |
1925 | 5,778 |
1926 | 5,303 |
1927 | 5,096 |
1928 | 4,649 |
1929 | 4,164 |
1930 | 3,888 |
1931 | 3,507 |
1932 | 3,340 |
1933 | 3,030 |
1934 | 2,811 |
1935 | 2,695 |
1936 | 2,511 |
1937 | 2,347 |
1938 | 2,337 |
1939 | 2,101 |
1940 | 2,068 |
1941 | 1,981 |
1942 | 1,911 |
1943 | 1,852 |
1944 | 1,659 |
1945 | 1,439 |
1946 | 1,521 |
1947 | 1,558 |
1948 | 1,348 |
1949 | 1,320 |
1950 | 1,182 |
1951 | 1,148 |
1952 | 1,058 |
1953 | 1,041 |
1954 | 1,036 |
1955 | 910 |
1956 | 771 |
1957 | 746 |
1958 | 658 |
1959 | 585 |
1960 | 577 |
1961 | 514 |
1962 | 447 |
1963 | 420 |
1964 | 363 |
1965 | 343 |
1966 | 301 |
1967 | 256 |
1968 | 241 |
1969 | 212 |
1970 | 235 |
1971 | 188 |
1972 | 169 |
1973 | 141 |
1974 | 136 |
1975 | 134 |
1976 | 115 |
1977 | 127 |
1978 | 132 |
1979 | 112 |
1980 | 132 |
1981 | 131 |
1982 | 120 |
1983 | 90 |
1984 | 116 |
1985 | 119 |
1986 | 121 |
1987 | 141 |
1988 | 111 |
1989 | 154 |
1990 | 145 |
1991 | 127 |
1992 | 143 |
1993 | 147 |
1994 | 146 |
1995 | 162 |
1996 | 171 |
1997 | 192 |
1998 | 219 |
1999 | 231 |
2000 | 246 |
2001 | 319 |
2002 | 314 |
2003 | 385 |
2004 | 404 |
2005 | 578 |
2006 | 682 |
2007 | 909 |
2008 | 967 |
2009 | 1,126 |
2010 | 1,240 |
2011 | 1,481 |
2012 | 1,785 |
2013 | 2,056 |
2014 | 2,909 |
2015 | 4,302 |
2016 | 4,681 |
2017 | 5,046 |
2018 | 4,951 |
2019 | 5,462 |
2020 | 5,513 |
2021 | 6,011 |
2022 | 6,157 |
2023 | 6,181 |
2024 | 6,401 |