"hazel tree"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Hazel
Pronunciation: [ h-AYZ-uhl ]
Does Hazel flow with your last name?
The wise Celtic tree with nature-lover appeal
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Meaning & Origin
"wisdom (Celtic symbolism)"
Origin: Celtic tradition
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Hazel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 549 babies have been named Hazel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hazel is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,841 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,841
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Hazel with:
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
Common Nicknames
Haze
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hazel
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Hazel
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Also a Girl Name
Hazel is also used as a girl name, ranked #19.
View Hazel as a girl name →Similar Names
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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.
What boy names are similar to Hazel?
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis