While it spent decades in hibernation, Hazel has returned with a vengeance, championed by parents seeking a grounding, earthy name with legitimate turn-of-the-century charm. It carries the wisdom of the ancient Celtic tree and the softness of a muted color palette.
Verdict: Hazel is an impeccable choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “grandma chic” appeal of names like Eleanor or Clara but adds a botanical twist that fits perfectly with the modern love for nature names. It is established, recognizable, and undeniably stylish.
Hazel Overview
- Meaning: “Hazel” is a name meaning “the color hazel,” as well as the tree, also called “hazel.”
- Origin: “Hazel” is derivative of the Old English word “hæsel.”
- Gender: Hazel is a girl’s name. However, it has been popular for boys in the past, specifically in the early 20th century.
- Popularity: Since 2017, Hazel has stayed in the top 50 names for female babies in the United States.
- Variations: Haize, Hayzaline, Hasel, Hazell, Hazelle, Heizle, Hazelgrace, Hazelmae, Hazelmarie.
- Nicknames: Azie, Haze, Hazelnut, Hazey, Zell, Zella, Zelly.
- Namesakes: Hazel Bishop, Hazel Brannon Smith, Hazel Court.
What Does Hazel Mean?
At its core, Hazel is a botanical name meaning “the color hazel” (a soft greenish-brown) and the hazelnut tree (1).
However, looking deeper into the symbolism gives this name profound weight. In Celtic mythology, the hazel tree was considered the “Tree of Knowledge.” It was believed that hazelnuts could impart wisdom and poetic inspiration to those who ate them. Therefore, the name isn’t just about a plant; it implies a sense of ancient wisdom, protection, and creativity.
Where Does the Name Hazel Come From?
Hazel is of English origin (2), derived directly from the Old English word “hæsel.”
While the word has existed for centuries, Hazel did not become a common given name until the late 19th-century “botanical boom.” During the Victorian era, parents began looking to the garden for inspiration, leading to a surge in names like Rose, Ivy, Olive, and Hazel. It was a breakaway from the strict Biblical or Royal names that had dominated previous centuries.
How Popular is the Name Hazel?
The trajectory of Hazel is a textbook example of the “100-Year Rule”, the theory that names become fresh again after a full century.
Hazel was a Top 25 name in the United States around 1900. It was ubiquitous, arguably the “Jennifer” or “Jessica” of the Victorian era. As the mid-century approached, it plummeted, becoming viewed as an “old lady name” by the 1960s and 70s.
However, the name began a slow climb in the late 90s. Fueled significantly by Julia Roberts naming her daughter Hazel in 2004, and later by the protagonist in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, the name skyrocketed. Since 2017, it has comfortably resided in the Top 50, cementing its status not as a fleeting fad, but as a modern classic.
How Do I Pronounce Hazel?
The pronunciation is straightforward and phonetic: HAY-zuhl.
There are rarely issues with mispronunciation in English-speaking countries. The emphasis is firmly on the first syllable.
Is Hazel a Boy or Girl Name?
Today, Hazel is overwhelmingly considered a feminine name.
However, historically, it possesses a rugged versatility. In the early 1900s, Hazel was occasionally used for boys (similar to how Ashley or Lindsey were once male names). In literature, the courageous leader of the rabbits in Watership Down is a male named Hazel. Despite this history, if you name a baby Hazel in 2025, nearly everyone will assume it is a girl.
Variations of Hazel
Because Hazel is an English word name, it doesn’t have as many direct translations as Biblical names. However, there are spellings that offer a different flair:
- Hazelle: A French-inspired suffix that adds a touch of elegance.
- Haize: A modern, phonetic spelling.
- Hasel: A more Germanic or Old English spelling variation.
- Avellana: For the adventurous, this is the Spanish word for Hazelnut.
Nicknames for Hazel
One of the best parts of this name is the ability to shorten it into punchy, cute monikers.
- Haze: Cool, modern, and slightly edgy.
- Hazelnut: The ultimate affectionate pet name for a baby.
- Zelle / Zella: A vintage nickname that stands on its own.
- Zee: Short and spunky.
- Hay-Hay: A playful option for toddlers.
Names Similar to Hazel
If you love the vibe of Hazel but aren’t quite sold, or want a similar name for a sibling, consider these options that share its vintage or botanical DNA:
- Willow: Like Hazel, this is a tree name, but it feels slightly more modern and whimsical.
- Ivy: Short, punchy, and botanical, Ivy shares Hazel’s Victorian charm.
- Eleanor: Captures the same “vintage chic” energy without being a nature name.
- Olive: Another color and nature name that hits the exact same style notes as Hazel.
- Iris: A floral name that feels grounded and intelligent.
- Luna: Shares the celestial/nature connection and immense current popularity.
- Mabel: If you like the “el” ending and the cozy, old-fashioned feel.
- Alicia: A classic alternative that feels slightly more formal.
- Ashley: A retro nature name (Ash tree clearing) that was the “Hazel” of the 1980s.
Middle Names for Hazel
Because Hazel is a two-syllable name ending in a soft “L” sound, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of middle names.
Classic & Timeless
These names anchor Hazel in history, making the full name sound like royalty or a 1920s movie star.
Modern & Breezy
To give Hazel a contemporary update, pair it with names that are currently trending.
Whimsical & Soft
Lean into the nature vibe with these softer pairings.
- Hazel June
- Hazel Wren
- Hazel Faye
- Hazel Skye
- Hazel Rue
Sibling Names for Hazel
Building a sib-set around Hazel requires finding names that are equally grounded and timeless.
For a Brother
You generally want a name that sounds like a gentleman from the 1920s or a rugged outdoorsman.
- Patrick: A sturdy classic that balances well with Hazel.
- August: Shares the soft, nature-inspired vintage feel.
- Silas: An earthy, Biblical name that sounds perfect next to Hazel.
- James / Jamie: The ultimate timeless classic that fits any era.
- Arthur: Another name undergoing a massive vintage revival.
- Matthew: A safe, strong Biblical choice.
- Jackson: A more modern, surname-style option.
For a Sister
Sister names should ideally share the vintage charm without being too matchy-matchy (avoid other “H” names if possible).
- Cora: Short, vintage, and incredibly sweet.
- Jennifer: A retro pick that offers a different rhythm.
- Everly: A modern name that shares the “v” and “l” sounds.
- Lucia: Adds a bit of lyrical, European flair.
- Flora: Doubles down on the botanical theme.
- Ruby: A gemstone name that matches the color-name vibe of Hazel.
- Clara: Clean, crisp, and vintage.
Famous People Named Hazel
Hazel has graced the marquees of theaters and the halls of science.
- Hazel Bishop: An organic chemist who revolutionized the cosmetics industry by inventing “kiss-proof” lipstick.
- Hazel Scott: A prodigy jazz pianist, singer, and activist who was the first Black American to host her own TV show.
- Hazel Court: An iconic English actress known as a “Scream Queen” for her roles in horror films.
- Hazel Hayes: An Irish YouTuber and author.
- Hazel O’Connor: British singer-songwriter and actress.
Hazel in Pop Culture
Pop culture has been a massive driver for this name’s recent success.
- Hazel Grace Lancaster: The intelligent and witty narrator of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. This character single-handedly reintroduced the name to a generation of young parents.
- Hazel: The brave, loyal, and intelligent leader of the rabbits in the classic novel Watership Down (notable for being a male character).
- Hazel Bellamy: A character in the classic TV series Upstairs, Downstairs.
- Hazel Burkett: A character from the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation.
FAQs About the Name Hazel
Does Hazel Have Any Biblical Significance?
While the name itself is not strictly Biblical in origin, “Hazel” does appear in some translations. There is a character in the Hebrew Bible called “Hazā’ēl.” This girl name in the bible implies “God has seen.” However, the modern usage of Hazel is almost exclusively tied to the tree and color.
What Sort of Personality Does a “Hazel” Have?
Due to the “wisdom” connection of the hazel tree in folklore, words associated with “Hazel” include logic, reasoning, intelligence, intuition, and grace. Hazels are often perceived as spiritual with a strong connection to the earth. It is safe to say if symbolism is essential to you, Hazel is a great name to choose for a daughter.
Is Hazel a Pretty Name?
While it is a matter of opinion which names are “pretty” and which are not, the name Hazel is widely considered an attractive, soft option that appeals to nature-lovers. Its popularity in the top 50 suggests that millions of parents find it beautiful, thanks to its associations with the tree and the greenish-brown color of hazel eyes.
Is Hazel Too Popular to Use in 2025?
While Hazel is popular (sitting in the Top 50), it is not “oversaturated” in the same way names like Olivia or Emma are. It strikes a balance of being recognizable without there being three of them in every kindergarten classroom. If you want a name that everyone knows but not everyone has, Hazel is a safe bet.
What Color Is Hazel Actually?
When referring to the name as a color, “hazel” describes a light yellowish-brown or greenish-brown. It is most commonly used to describe eye color that appears to shift between brown and green depending on the light. This gives the name a “chameleon-like” quality, implying depth and complexity.
Can Hazel Be Used as a Boy’s Name?
Technically, yes. Historically, Hazel was a unisex name and reached its peak for boys in the early 1900s. However, in the 21st century, it is almost exclusively used for girls. If you want a similar sound for a boy, consider “Hayes” or the actual male literary reference, “Hazel,” from Watership Down.
Why Was the Hazel Tree Sacred?
In Celtic lore, the Hazel tree was believed to be the vessel of wisdom. It was said that nine hazel trees grew around a sacred pool, dropping nuts into the water which were eaten by salmon (the Salmon of Knowledge). This imbues the name with a scholarly, magical, and poetic heritage.
Does the Name Hazel Have a Spanish Version?
While “Hazel” is used in Spanish-speaking countries (often pronounced “Ah-zel”), the literal translation for the hazelnut is “Avellana.” While Avellana is rarely used as a first name, it offers a melodic, unique alternative for parents looking for a direct Spanish link to the meaning.
