Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "helper" or "assistant." It is derived from the Hebrew word "azar," which means "to help" or "assist." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Ezra was a priest and scribe who played a significant role in rebuilding the Jewish community after their exile in Babylon. He is credited with reintroducing the Torah, or the law of Moses, to the Israelites upon their return from captivity.
The name Ezra has been used throughout history, particularly among Jewish families. It gained popularity among non-Jewish populations in the 19th century as a result of its biblical origins and positive connotations. Today, it is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
In terms of its popularity, Ezra has been steadily gaining traction over the years. In the United States, for instance, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since the 1980s. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other biblical names such as John or Michael.
In conclusion, Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin with a meaningful and historic significance. Its biblical roots have contributed to its enduring popularity among various cultures and communities throughout history. Despite not being one of the most common names today, Ezra continues to be cherished by those who choose it for their children due to its profound meaning and rich heritage.
"Ezra's popularity as a name has seen significant fluctuations over time. Between 1880 and 1950, the number of yearly births ranged from a low of 25 to a high of 202. However, since then, there has been a marked increase in its usage, with the number of yearly births reaching an all-time high of 8437 in 2023. Overall, Ezra has experienced over 89,682 births from 1880 to present."