Ezechiel

Meaning & origin

Ezechiel is a French and German variant of the biblical name Ezekiel, first recorded in U.S. data in 1984 with a rank of 8910 in 2025 and an estimated 1 in 213,510 babies receiving the name. Its peak year was 2023, suggesting a slight increase in recent usage. The trajectory has been stable, with the name remaining relatively rare. As a form of the prophet's name, it carries strong biblical associations of divine strength. Ezechiel has not yet appeared in any top state rankings, indicating its niche appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional name. The pronunciation 'eh-ZEEK-ee-el' is common in French and German contexts, though English speakers may prefer the 'Zeke' nickname.

Ezechiel is a French and German form of the Hebrew name Yeḥezkel, meaning 'God strengthens.' It derives from the verb ḥazaq (to strengthen) combined with El (God). The name appears in the Bible as the prophet Ezekiel, author of the Book of Ezekiel. The spelling Ezechiel reflects the Latin Vulgate's use of Ezechiel, which was adopted into French and German usage. It has been used occasionally in Christian families, particularly in French-speaking regions and Germany.