Declining since 2018, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Ezana since 1992
Babies named Ezana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 110 |
| 2010s | 293 |
| 2020s | 167 |
Meaning & origin
Ezana is an uncommon but historically significant name in the United States, first recorded in 1992 with a rank of 4,249 and approximately 1 in 71,170 boys receiving the name in 2025. Its peak popularity occurred in 2019, after which it has been falling in usage since 2018. The name is most frequently given in Washington state. Ezana belongs to a group of African royal names that have seen gradual adoption in the US, reflecting a broader interest in names with religious and imperial heritage. Despite its rarity, it offers a strong, distinctive sound and a direct connection to the ancient kingdom of Aksum.
Ezana is the name of a 4th-century king of the Kingdom of Aksum (in modern-day Ethiopia), who is credited with making Christianity the state religion. The name's exact meaning is debated; it may derive from the Ge'ez word for elephant ('ezan') or from a root meaning 'to listen.' After a long history of use in Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the name saw modern revival in the United States beginning in the early 1990s.
Where Ezana is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zana, Ez
Variants: Ezzana
Sibling names for Ezana
Names that share Ezana's style, for a brother or sister.
