The name Eleazar carries a rich history and a profound meaning. But how popular is the name Eleazar today? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this classic moniker, exploring its origins, charting its popularity trends, and uncovering names that resonate with similar qualities.
The image accompanying this article offers a visual representation of the name Eleazar, often stylized to appeal to parents considering it for their baby boy. But beyond aesthetics, what makes this name so enduring?
Eleazar Name Popularity
How popular is the name Eleazar? The data reveals a fascinating story of ebb and flow in its usage over the past century.
Looking at the historical trends, the Social Security Administration (SSA) data shows that the name Eleazar was not consistently tracked until the early 1920s. From 1910 to 1920, the name didn’t register enough births to warrant a ranking. It wasn’t until 1921 that Eleazar appeared in the records, holding a rank of 1,663 with just 5 births, accounting for a mere 0.0004% of total male births that year.
The subsequent decades saw varying degrees of popularity. While there were periods where the name didn’t make the charts (indicated by "—" in the table, signifying zero births), Eleazar experienced sporadic upticks. The name saw consistent presence, even if minimal, through the mid-20th century, with peaks in rank around the 900s and 1000s.
A notable resurgence began in the late 20th century and has continued into the 21st. From the 1990s onward, Eleazar has generally climbed in popularity. In 1991, it held a rank of 975, with 74 births. The number of births has generally increased, reaching peaks in recent years.
The most recent data, for 2023, shows a rank of 1,118 with 138 births, accounting for 0.0107% of male births. While the rank may fluctuate slightly year to year, the overall trend suggests a growing awareness and appreciation for the name.
Eleazar has clearly seen an increase in usage in recent years. This could be attributed to several factors, including a renewed interest in biblical names, a desire for unique yet established names, or simply a growing appreciation for its sound and meaning.
The Meaning and Origin of Eleazar
The name Eleazar has deep roots in Hebrew tradition. It is derived from the Hebrew elements "El," meaning "God," and "azar," meaning "help." Therefore, the name Eleazar translates to "God is my help" or "God has helped." This powerful meaning imbues the name with a sense of faith, reliance on a higher power, and gratitude for divine assistance.
In the Bible, Eleazar is a significant figure, most notably the third son of Aaron, the high priest. He succeeded his father as the High Priest of Israel, playing a crucial role in the religious leadership of the Israelites. This biblical association adds a layer of historical and spiritual significance to the name.
Names Similar to Eleazar
If you’re drawn to Eleazar but seeking alternative options, several names share similar sounds, origins, or meanings:
Variants of Eleazar:
- Elazar: A slight variation of Eleazar, also meaning "God is my help."
- Eli: A shorter, simpler Hebrew name meaning "ascension." (Also has feminine variations)
- Eliazar: The Spanish version of the name, with the same meaning, "God has helped."
- Elie: Hebrew for "God is my help; high; the Lord is my God."
- Eliezer: Another Hebrew name with the meaning "God is my help."
- Ely: A Hebrew name meaning "High".
Names that sound like Eleazar:
- Eleazer: As listed in the data, this is a very similar alternative, sharing the same origin and meaning as Eleazar.
Sibling Names:
The data suggests that parents who choose Eleazar often select the following names for their other children:
- Asuna: The origin and meaning of this name is not provided in the source data.
- Athena: A Greek name meaning "wise."
Conclusion
The name Eleazar offers a compelling blend of historical significance, spiritual depth, and rising popularity. Its Hebrew origins and powerful meaning, "God is my help," resonate with parents seeking a name that reflects faith and gratitude. While its usage fluctuated throughout the 20th century, Eleazar is experiencing a modern-day resurgence, making it a timeless yet increasingly relevant choice for a baby boy. The provided data and suggested alternatives offer valuable insights for those considering this meaningful name.