Arizona

Meaning & origin

Arizona is a rare place name that has been used as a given name since the late 19th century. First recorded in 1880, it reached its peak popularity in that same year, with a rank of 1883. The name fell out of common use for decades but saw a modest revival in the 2010s, though its trajectory has been falling since 2019. In 2025, it ranked 2153rd, with 1 in 18,689 newborns receiving the name. Geographically, the name has been most popular in Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee. Its distinctiveness and connection to the American Southwest give it a free-spirited, adventurous feel, appealing to parents seeking an unusual but recognizable name.

Arizona is a place name that became a given name, primarily for girls. The name originates from the Spanish and English name for the U.S. state of Arizona, which in turn is believed to come from the O'odham word 'alĭ ṣonak' (meaning 'small spring') or possibly from a Spanish adaptation of a Basque phrase. It was first used as a personal name in the late 19th century, occasionally appearing in U.S. records from the 1880s. Its use as a given name reflects the American tradition of using place names, especially those with a romantic or frontier association.