Choosing a name for your baby is a monumental decision, a gift that accompanies them throughout their life. Among the myriad of options, Azariah stands out as a name with a rich history, a powerful meaning, and a steadily increasing presence in modern times. But what does Azariah truly mean, and why is it capturing the hearts of parents today?
The name Azariah originates from Hebrew, where it translates to "Helped by God" or "God has helped." This profound meaning connects the name to a sense of divine assistance and blessing, imbuing it with a spiritual significance that resonates deeply. In biblical contexts, Azariah appears as the name of several figures, most notably a king of Judah (also known as Uzziah) and various priests and prophets. These historical connections further solidify Azariah’s place as a name of importance and virtue.
(Image of the name Azariah)
Azariah Name Popularity
How popular is the name Azariah? The data reveals an interesting trend. For much of the 20th century, Azariah remained relatively uncommon. Looking at the Social Security Administration (SSA) data, from 1910 to 1997, Azariah barely registered in birth records. The name essentially saw zero births per year, representing 0% of total births.
However, the late 1990s marked the beginning of a slow but consistent rise in popularity. By 1998, Azariah appeared with a rank of 2,526, representing 6 births or 0.0004% of births that year. This trend continued in the early 2000s, with fluctuations in rank but a general upward trajectory in the number of births.
The real surge began in the mid-2000s. In 2005, the name ranked 1,639 with 35 births, representing 0.0023% of all births. By 2012, it broke into the top 1100, and by 2015, Azariah reached a rank of 689 with 309 births (0.0212% of total births). More recently, in 2023, Azariah stands at 575, representing 466 births or 0.036% of total births. This steady climb indicates a growing appreciation for the name’s unique blend of historical gravitas and contemporary appeal.
This recent surge in popularity could be attributed to several factors. The rise of unique and meaningful names, a renewed interest in biblical names, and the name’s appealing sound all contribute to its growing presence. Parents today often seek names that are both distinctive and carry a significant meaning, making Azariah a perfect fit.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2,526 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2000 | 2,567 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2001 | 2,306 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2002 | 2,131 | 13 | 0.0009% |
| 2003 | 2,269 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2004 | 2,102 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 2005 | 1,639 | 35 | 0.0023% |
| 2006 | 1,853 | 26 | 0.0017% |
| 2007 | 1,683 | 37 | 0.0023% |
| 2008 | 1,463 | 54 | 0.0035% |
| 2009 | 1,324 | 73 | 0.0049% |
| 2010 | 1,270 | 77 | 0.0053% |
| 2011 | 1,436 | 54 | 0.0038% |
| 2012 | 1,080 | 112 | 0.0079% |
| 2013 | 875 | 179 | 0.0126% |
| 2014 | 825 | 214 | 0.0147% |
| 2015 | 689 | 309 | 0.0212% |
| 2016 | 761 | 254 | 0.0176% |
| 2017 | 806 | 216 | 0.0155% |
| 2018 | 736 | 256 | 0.0186% |
| 2019 | 678 | 303 | 0.0224% |
| 2020 | 686 | 320 | 0.0251% |
| 2021 | 658 | 370 | 0.0303% |
| 2022 | 638 | 393 | 0.0298% |
| 2023 | 575 | 466 | 0.036% |
Names Like Azariah
If you’re drawn to Azariah, you might also appreciate names with similar sounds, meanings, or origins. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Variants of Azariah:
These names share the same core meaning and Hebrew origin:
- Azarel: "Helped by God."
- Azaria: "Helped by God." Can be used for both boys and girls.
- Azarya: "Helped by God."
- Azria: "Helped by God."
- Azriah: "Helped by God."
- Azuria: "Helped by God."
- Azuriah: "Helped by God."
- Zariah: "Helped by God." Can be used for both boys and girls.
Names that sound like Azariah:
These names offer a similar phonetic appeal:
- Azur: "Helper."
- Ezar: "Help, aid."
- Ezrah: "Helper."
- Ezri: "Help, aid; helper."
Similar Names:
These names share a similar style or origin:
- Abednego: "Servant of Nabu." Aramaic origin.
- Azrael: "Helped by God." Hebrew origin.
- Ezra: "Help." Hebrew origin.
Choosing a name is a deeply personal process. Whether you opt for Azariah or a similar name, consider the meaning, origin, and sound to find the perfect fit for your child. The name Azariah, with its beautiful meaning and rising popularity, is a strong contender for parents seeking a name that is both timeless and modern.