Ezekiel is a name of Hebrew origin that has been used throughout history and continues to be popular today. The name Ezekiel is derived from two Hebrew words, "Azek" meaning "God is strong" and "El" meaning "God." Therefore, the overall meaning of the name Ezekiel is "God is strong."
The name Ezekiel appears in the Old Testament of the Bible as the prophet Ezekiel, who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar II to Babylon around 593 BCE. He is known for his visions and prophecies recorded in the Book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel was a priest who served God and delivered messages of warning and hope during the time of exile.
Throughout history, several prominent figures have carried the name Ezekiel. For example, Ezekiel Hopkins was an American poet and scholar born in the 17th century, while Ezekiel Attie is a contemporary Israeli film director known for his acclaimed documentaries. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the name Ezekiel across different cultures and time periods.
In recent years, the name Ezekiel has gained popularity as a baby boy name in various countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ezekiel has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys since 2013.
Overall, the name Ezekiel offers a rich historical and cultural heritage while conveying a strong and powerful meaning associated with divine strength. Its biblical origins and enduring popularity make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
The name Ezekiel has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Ezekiel each year fluctuated between a low of 6 births in 1898 to a high of 58 births in 1927. However, since the 1970s, there has been a steady rise in the number of newborns given the name Ezekiel.
In 1974, there were 80 babies named Ezekiel, and by 1980, that number had more than doubled to 263 births. The trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with a significant jump occurring in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2000, there were 740 babies named Ezekiel, and by 2010, that number had reached an all-time high of 1870 births.
The popularity of the name Ezekiel has continued to rise in recent years, with 5837 births recorded in 2021 and a peak of 6030 births in 2022. Overall, since reliable records began in the late 19th century, there have been a total of 72982 babies named Ezekiel born in the United States.
This data demonstrates that while the name Ezekiel may not have been particularly popular during the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, it has experienced a notable increase in popularity since the 1970s. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with Ezekiel now being one of the more commonly chosen names for newborn boys in the United States.