Azel

Meaning & origin

Azel is a name that has quietly resurfaced after more than a century. First recorded in the United States in the year 1900, it held a rank of 4050 in 2025, with 1 in 65,695 boys receiving the name that year. Its peak popularity occurred in 1900, after which it fell out of common use before beginning a steady rise in the early 2000s, particularly since 2001. The name has strong ties to Texas, which topped the list of states where Azel was most frequently given in 2025. This revival places Azel among a wave of vintage, underused names reclaimed by modern parents. Its concise, two-syllable sound and versatile nickname options make it an appealing choice for those seeking something distinctive yet familiar.

Azel is a name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of the biblical name Azel, a minor figure in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 8:37-38) whose name is thought to derive from the Hebrew 'atsel,' meaning 'noble' or 'reserved.' Alternatively, Azel could have emerged as a short form of the floral name Azalea, which gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th century. The name saw modest use in the United States in the early 1900s, particularly in Texas, and has experienced a revival in the 21st century.