Hazle

Meaning & origin

The name Hazle represents an older spelling of the more familiar Hazel, and its usage pattern tells a clear story of a once-popular name that has since faded. First recorded in 1887, Hazle never reached the top 1000 of U.S. rankings, but it saw its peak year in 1910, a time when botanical names were enjoying widespread popularity. The trajectory for Hazle has been falling since 2021, continuing a long-term decline that began after its early 20th-century peak. Unlike many vintage names that have seen revivals, Hazle remains a rare choice, with no record of a resurgence in recent decades, and it has no top states associated with its use. For parents seeking a name with the gentle sound of Hazel but a more distinctive edge, Hazle offers a turn-of-the-century feel that is both understated and historically grounded.

Hazle is a variant spelling of Hazel, which derives from the Old English word 'hæsel' meaning the hazel tree or the light brown color of the hazelnut. The name was used as a given name from the 19th century, part of the Victorian fashion for botanical names. The spelling Hazle was more common in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly in the United States.