Blaise

Meaning & origin

Blaise is a name with deep historical roots, originating from the Latin cognomen Blaesus, meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering.' Its prominence in Christianity stems from Saint Blaise, a 4th-century Armenian bishop and martyr, whose feast day is celebrated on February 3. The name has seen a notable resurgence in the United States since around 1985, rising steadily in usage. It reached its peak rank of 1038 in 2015, and as of 2025 it maintains this rank with approximately 1 in 8019 newborns bearing the name. The name is most popular in Connecticut, Minnesota, and Kansas, reflecting a preference among parents seeking distinctive yet classic names with a scholarly or saintly association. Blaise is almost exclusively given to boys, though it occasionally appears for girls in modern usage.

From the Latin name Blaesus, a cognomen meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering'. The name was borne by a 4th-century Armenian saint, Blaise of Sebastea, a bishop and martyr venerated in both Eastern and Western Christianity. His cult brought the name into use across medieval Europe, and it has persisted primarily in French and English-speaking countries.