Rising since 1985, #278 for girls today.
Popularity of Azalea since 1902
Babies named Azalea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 59 |
| 1910s | 118 |
| 1920s | 127 |
| 1930s | 55 |
| 1940s | 32 |
| 1950s | 81 |
| 1960s | 43 |
| 1970s | 135 |
| 1980s | 162 |
| 1990s | 384 |
| 2000s | 1,094 |
| 2010s | 4,457 |
| 2020s | 4,992 |
Meaning & origin
Azalea is a botanical name that has been in use since at least 1902, according to U.S. Social Security data. After a long period of obscurity, it began a steady climb in the 1980s. In 2025 it reached its peak rank of 278, with about 1 in 1449 newborn girls named Azalea. The name has seen a particular surge in Hawaii, New Mexico, and South Dakota, suggesting regional appeal. While still uncommon compared to more traditional flower names, Azalea has established itself as a distinctive choice for parents drawn to nature-inspired names with a touch of Southern charm.
Azalea is a botanical name from the genus of flowering shrubs in the family Ericaceae. The word comes from Greek 'azaleos' (dry), referring to the plant's preference for dry soil. It was adopted as a given name in the late 19th century, following the fashion for flower names, but remained rare until a resurgence in the 1980s.
Where Azalea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Azalea” around the world
Where Azalea lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zaylee, Lea, Aza
Sibling names for Azalea
Names that share Azalea's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Azalea
Names whose popularity has moved with Azalea's over the last 50 years.
