Hazel: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Hazel is a female name of English origin, meaning "hazelnut tree". It belongs to the Victorian botanical naming tradition and has experienced a remarkable revival in recent decades.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | English |
| Meaning | Hazelnut tree |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | HAY-zəl |
Etymology of Hazel
Hazel derives from the Old English word "hæsel," which refers to the hazelnut tree (Corylus). As a given name, it emerged during the late 19th century as part of the Victorian botanical naming trend, when parents began choosing nature-inspired names like Rose, Violet, and Lily.
The hazel tree held symbolic significance in various cultures. In Celtic tradition, the hazel was associated with wisdom and poetic inspiration, while hazelnuts were believed to contain concentrated knowledge. In English folklore, hazel wood was traditionally used for divining rods and was thought to have protective properties.
The name entered common usage as a given name in the English-speaking world during the 1880s-1890s, alongside other plant and flower names that reflected the Victorian era's romanticization of nature.
History of Hazel
Origins and Early Use
Hazel first appeared as a given name in the United States in the 1880s, quickly gaining popularity during the late Victorian era. The name represented the broader cultural movement toward nature-inspired names that conveyed gentleness, natural beauty, and connection to the English countryside.
Rise to Popularity
Hazel's ascent was swift and dramatic. By the 1890s, it had entered the US Top 50, and it maintained strong popularity through the early 20th century. The name peaked in 1897 at #18, reflecting the height of the botanical naming trend.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s-1890s | Victorian botanical naming trend | Initial surge; name enters widespread use |
| 1900s-1920s | Peak popularity era | Consistently in Top 50; seen as fashionable and genteel |
| 1940s-1990s | Decline period | Fell out of favor; considered old-fashioned |
| 2000s-present | Modern revival | Returned to Top 50; driven by vintage name trend |
Modern Usage
Hazel has experienced one of the most dramatic revivals among vintage names. After falling to #893 in the 2000s, the name has surged back into the Top 20. This resurgence reflects broader naming trends favoring vintage botanical names, nostalgic simplicity, and names with natural imagery.
The revival was likely influenced by several factors: celebrity usage (Julia Roberts named her daughter Hazel in 2004), the character Hazel Grace Lancaster in John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" (2012), and a general cultural preference for names that feel both classic and fresh.
Key insight: This name rose because of Victorian romanticism of nature and the aesthetic movement, declined as those associations felt dated, and has stabilized at high popularity as vintage botanical names regained cultural cachet.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Hazel when they want to convey warmth, natural simplicity, and vintage charm, especially in contexts involving a return to classic values with a modern sensibility.
Variants of Hazel
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Hazel | Standard form |
| English | Hazell | Archaic spelling variant |
| English | Hazle | Simplified spelling (rare) |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Haze, Hazy, Zel
Similar Names
- Heather - Another nature name from the same era
- Hazel - Shares the botanical theme
- Sage - Modern nature name with similar feel
- Maple - Contemporary botanical alternative
Hazel Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #29 | 2,425 |
| 1920s | #34 | 7,308 |
| 1940s | #123 | 2,068 |
| 1960s | #397 | 577 |
| 1980s | #1070 | 132 |
| 2000s | #893 | 246 |
| 2020s | #31 | 5,513 |
| 2024s | #19 | 6,401 |
Peak: 1897, ranked #18 (2,339 births)
Current (2024): #19 (6,401 births)
Trend analysis: Hazel's dramatic revival from near-obscurity to Top 20 status reflects the vintage name revival trend and cultural shift toward names that feel both timeless and distinctive. Celebrity usage and popular culture references accelerated its return to prominence.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Hazel as a Username
Availability
"hazel" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | hazel | Professional |
| With numbers | hazel99, hazel2024 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | hzl, haze | Social media |
| Stylized | xhazel, hazelx, hazeltree | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Hazel as an ID tends to project:
- Natural warmth - because of its botanical origin and soft sound
- Vintage authenticity - because of its Victorian-era associations
- Approachability - because it's familiar but not overly common
Best for: Creative portfolios, lifestyle content, nature/wellness platforms, personal branding with a warm, approachable tone
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want something distinctly modern without vintage associations.
Is Hazel good for a username?
Hazel works well as a username if you value warmth, natural imagery, and vintage charm. However, due to its current high popularity, you may need variations like hazel_tree, hazeltones, or haze.studio to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Hazel mean?
Hazel means "hazelnut tree" from Old English "hæsel."
Is Hazel popular?
According to SSA data, Hazel ranks #19 in the US (2024). It is rising and currently near its historical peak.
What are nicknames for Hazel?
Common nicknames: Haze, Hazy, Zel.
Is Hazel a boy's or girl's name?
Hazel is traditionally a female name, though it has occasionally been used for boys in the early 20th century (rare).
How do you pronounce Hazel?
Hazel is pronounced HAY-zəl (two syllables, stress on first syllable).
Is Hazel good for a username?
Hazel works well as a username if you value natural warmth and vintage charm, though availability may require variation due to current popularity.
Related Names
- Rose - Same botanical naming tradition
- Violet - Victorian-era flower name
- Sage - Modern nature name with similar simplicity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026