Hazel

Pronunciation: [ h-AYZ-uhl ]

Boy Name #2,841 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The wise Celtic tree with nature-lover appeal

English American

Earthy Vintage Gentle Whimsical Unique

Meaning & Origin

"hazel tree"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"wisdom (Celtic symbolism)"

Origin: Celtic tradition

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Hazel is predominantly a girls name in modern usage — strong gender association may cause confusion for a boy

The Story of Hazel

Hazel comes from Old English haesel, referring to the hazel tree (Corylus avellana). In Celtic and early English traditions, the hazel tree was associated with wisdom, knowledge, and poetic inspiration. Hazel nuts, rods, and branches were used in divination and water-witching. While strongly established as a girl's name today, Hazel for a boy reflects a modern gender-neutral botanical naming trend.

Hazel surged back into popularity in the 2010s after decades of relative obscurity, partly through The Fault in Our Stars character Hazel Grace Lancaster. Its use for boys is a more recent, progressive choice driven by the gender-neutral naming movement.

In Celtic mythology, the hazel tree was one of the nine sacred trees, associated with wisdom and the Otherworld. Irish legend holds that nine hazel trees grew around a sacred pool, and their nuts (eaten by a salmon) granted all knowledge to whoever first tasted the salmon.

Fun Facts

In Irish mythology, hazel trees were one of the nine sacred trees of the sacred grove
The Fault in Our Stars heroine Hazel Grace Lancaster brought this name back to popular consciousness in 2012
Hazel wands were traditionally used for water-witching (dowsing) to find underground water sources

Hazel in Other Languages

Irish Coll

French Noisetier

German Hasel

Spanish Avellano

Japanese ヘーゼル

Famous People Named Hazel

Hazel Scott

Musician

1920

Trinidadian-American jazz and classical pianist, first Black woman to host her own TV show in the US (1950)

Hazel Grace Lancaster Fictional

Other

Protagonist of John Green novel The Fault in Our Stars (2012) and 2014 film adaptation

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,841
Total SSA Count: 45
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Haze #1660 Hazen #1728

Common Nicknames

Haze

Pairs Well With

Hazel James Hazel Theodore Hazel Oliver Hazel Elliott Hazel Finn Hazel Reed Hazel Scout

Sibling Names

Rowan Sage Clover Willow Juniper Ash Birch River

Also a Girl Name

Hazel is also used as a girl name, ranked #19.

View Hazel as a girl name →

Similar Names

Virgil Cecil Casper Asher Wendell Harper Prosper Clover

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hazel

What does the name Hazel mean?

"hazel tree" (from Old English). "wisdom (Celtic symbolism)" (from Celtic tradition). Hazel comes from Old English haesel, referring to the hazel tree (Corylus avellana). In Celtic and early English traditions, the hazel tree was associated with wisdom, knowledge, and poetic inspiration. Hazel nuts, rods, and branches were used in divination and water-witching. While strongly established as a girl's name today, Hazel for a boy reflects a modern gender-neutral botanical naming trend.

What is the origin of the name Hazel?

Hazel has Old English, Celtic tradition, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "hazel tree". In Celtic tradition, it means "wisdom (Celtic symbolism)".

Is Hazel a boy or girl name?

Hazel is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2841. As a girl name, it is ranked #19. Hazel is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Hazel?

Hazel is pronounced h-AYZ-uhl.

How popular is the name Hazel?

Hazel is currently ranked #2841 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Hazel?

Common nicknames for Hazel include Haze.

What are good middle names for Hazel?

Popular middle name pairings include Hazel James, Hazel Theodore, Hazel Oliver, Hazel Elliott, Hazel Finn, Hazel Reed, and Hazel Scout.

What are good sibling names for Hazel?

Names that pair well with Hazel as siblings include Rowan, Sage, Clover, Willow, Juniper, Ash, Birch, and River.

How many syllables does Hazel have?

Hazel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Hazel a common or rare name?

Hazel is an uncommon name, ranked #2841 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Hazel

Hazel is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "hazel tree" in Old English .

Is Hazel a boy or girl name? Hazel is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,841 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #19. Hazel is more commonly used as a girl name.

Hazel is currently ranked #2,841 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Hazel has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AYZ-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Hazel include Haze. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Hazel include Haze, Hazen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.