Hazel: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Hazel is an English nature name for the hazel tree and its nuts, as well as a warm greenish-brown eye colour.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- HAY-zulˈheɪ.zəl
- Origin
- English
- Meaning
- Hazel is an English nature name for the hazel tree and its nuts, as well as a warm greenish-brown eye colour.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Haze, Hazey
- US Popularity (2025)
- #21 — 📈 Rising
What Does Hazel Mean?
Hazel comes from the Old English word hæsel, the name of the hazel tree. It is a straightforward nature name, like Rose or Ivy, and has also been used for the greenish-brown colour of eyes and nuts.
The hazel tree has a long place in folklore. In Celtic myth, hazelnuts were said to hold wisdom, and the Irish tale of the Salmon of Knowledge describes a salmon that gained all the world's knowledge by eating nuts from nine hazel trees. In many traditions hazel branches were also used for divining rods and as symbols of protection.
Hazel was very popular in the early twentieth century, faded in the middle of the century and has climbed back since the 2000s. Today it is a top-25 girls' name, a vintage choice that feels warm and quietly stylish.
How Popular Is Hazel?
Hazel has made a strong comeback since the 2000s and now ranks in the top 25 girls' names.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Hazel
Classic pairings
- Hazel Rose
- Hazel Grace
- Hazel Jane
- Hazel Elizabeth
Modern pairings
- Hazel Wren
- Hazel Juniper
- Hazel Sage
- Hazel Wilde
One-syllable options
- Hazel Claire
- Hazel Faith
- Hazel Jade
- Hazel Joy
Family-name bridges
- Hazel Marie
- Hazel Anne
- Hazel Lynn
- Hazel Louise
Names Similar to Hazel
If you love Hazel, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Hazel
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Hazel
- Hazel ScottTrinidad-born American jazz and classical pianist and actress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazel
Is Hazel a boy or girl name?
Hazel is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Hazel?
Hazel is pronounced HAY-zul (IPA: ˈheɪ.zəl). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Haze, Hazey.
What does Hazel mean?
Hazel is an English nature name for the hazel tree and its nuts, as well as a warm greenish-brown eye colour.
Hazel comes from the Old English word hæsel, the name of the hazel tree. It is a straightforward nature name, like Rose or Ivy, and has also been used for the greenish-brown colour of eyes and nuts.
Is Hazel a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Hazel is a highly popular name. It ranked #21 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is currently trending upward. Hazel has made a strong comeback since the 2000s and now ranks in the top 25 girls' names.
What are good middle names for Hazel?
Good middle names for Hazel include classic choices like Hazel Rose and Hazel Grace, modern options like Hazel Wren and Hazel Juniper, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Hazel Claire and Hazel Faith. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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