Hazel is a unisex name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. The name comes from the hazel tree, which is known for its nuts and is often associated with wisdom and beauty.
The exact meaning of Hazel as a given name is not clear, but it is believed to be related to the Latin word "corylus," which refers to the hazelnut tree. Some sources suggest that Hazel means "to haggle" or "to barter," while others propose that it means "to protect" or "to defend."
The use of Hazel as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was often used for both boys and girls. However, its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries. In the United States, for example, Hazel was particularly popular during the early 20th century, peaking at number 165 in 1900 before declining in usage by the mid-century.
Today, Hazel is still used as a given name but is more commonly used for girls than boys. In recent years, it has enjoyed some popularity due to its vintage-inspired sound and its association with natural beauty and wisdom. Some notable people named Hazel include actresses Hazel Court and Hazel O'Connor, as well as singer-songwriter Hazel Jane "Halsey" Robinson.
In literature and popular culture, Hazel has been used as a character name in various works, such as the novel "Watership Down" by Richard Adams and the animated film "The Nutcracker." The name's association with nature and wisdom makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Overall, Hazel is a charming and distinctive name that carries with it a rich history and a connection to the natural world.
The name Hazel has a fascinating history when it comes to its popularity in the United States over the years. From 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 289,743 births registered with the name Hazel.
In the late 19th century, the name Hazel was quite uncommon, with only 21 babies receiving this name in 1880. However, its popularity began to grow steadily over time. By 1890, there were already 1,366 births registered as Hazel, marking a significant increase from just two decades prior.
The early 20th century saw Hazel's popularity reach new heights, with the number of annual births peaking at 7,285 in 1917. This was followed by another peak in 1946 with 1,363 births. Although there were fluctuations throughout these years, Hazel remained a popular choice among parents.
However, towards the mid-20th century, the name Hazel started to decline in popularity. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 350 babies were named Hazel each year. This trend continued until the late 1980s when the name began its gradual resurgence.
In recent years, Hazel has once again become a popular choice for baby girls in the United States. After reaching another peak of over 6,000 births in 2017 and 2018 combined, there were still 5,460 Hazels born in 2019 alone.
As of 2023, it appears that the name Hazel continues to maintain its popularity among new parents, with over 6,000 babies being named Hazel within the first six months of the year. This steady trend suggests that Hazel will likely remain a beloved choice for years to come.
In conclusion, the name Hazel has undergone many changes in popularity throughout its history in the United States. However, despite periods of decline, Hazel has consistently maintained a presence among baby names and continues to be well-loved by parents today.