Rising since 1987, #2,514 for girls today.
Popularity of Nazareth since 1920
Babies named Nazareth per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 21 |
| 1930s | 0 | 7 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 34 |
| 1980s | 13 | 65 |
| 1990s | 107 | 110 |
| 2000s | 186 | 315 |
| 2010s | 424 | 364 |
| 2020s | 474 | 277 |
Meaning & origin
The name Nazareth, drawn directly from the New Testament town, emerged as a given name only in the late 20th century, first recorded in 1987. Its steady rise in use peaked in 2023, and it remains rare, occurring at a rate of about 1 in 22961 newborns in 2025. The name has seen particular favor in Massachusetts, Texas, and California, suggesting an appeal among families with strong Christian traditions or a taste for place names with religious resonance. As a unisex name, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common biblical place names like Eden or Zion.
The name Nazareth is primarily known as the name of the New Testament town where Jesus spent his childhood. Its etymology is debated; it may derive from the Hebrew root netzer, meaning 'branch' (prophetic title for the Messiah) or from the Aramaic nasrat, meaning 'watchtower'. Used as a given name, it is rare and modern, first recorded in the United States in 1987, often chosen for its religious significance.
Where Nazareth is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Nazareth
Names that share Nazareth's style, for a brother or sister.
