Hazel
In the Northern Hemisphere, there is a common broadleaf tree. It produces nuts with a certain shade of brown. The tree and nut have one name in common: Hazel.
The nature name, which derives from the Old English hæsel, has been in sparing use as a unisex name between the late 1700s and early 1800s. It became a common feminine name alongside Myrtle and Olive in the late Victorian Era. Hazel was a top 100 American name between 1886 and 1936, peaking in the top 20 in 1897.
Hazel was popular in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand around the same time as its American run. However, it did not enter the British top 100 until 1924. It remained popular in England and Wales until 1954, making it more retro over there.
As Hazel declined in popularity, pop culture reminded the public of its dated sound. A comic strip featuring a troubled housekeeper by the name and Witch Hazel from Looney Tunes did the job.
Hazel dropped out of the American top 1000 in 1976. It began its revival when it reentered the charts in 1998. Hazel continued to rise until it returned to the top 100 in 2015. Hazel returned in Australia and Canada the year before while it came back in New Zealand seven years earlier. The name has enjoyed recent popularity in Ireland, too.
Even though Hazel is more retro in England, it has still been making its way back to the top 100. The name definitely remains dated in Scotland, where it was a top 100 name until the 1890s.
Hazel is the prototype of a vintage name, one that has been popular in English-speaking nations a century ago and is popular again today. It will also undeniably appeal to tree lovers; Hazel makes a perfect name for the Fall season, too.
STYLES:
SISTERS:
Violet, Cora, Edith, June, Beatrix, Sadie, Leona, Ruby
BROTHERS:
Jasper, Ezra, Silas, Hugo, August, Felix, Otto, Levi
ALTERNATIVES:
Beryl, Coral, Haven, Honor, Mavis, Opal, Topaz, Zora
Click here for more names inspired by Hazel
FURTHER RESOURCES:
"Hazel." Names, Behind the Name, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.behindthename.com/name/hazel.
Nickerson, Eleanor. "Hazel." Names of the Week, British Baby Names, 19 Aug. 2017, https://www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2017/08/name-of-the-week-hazel.html.
Sandel, Abby. "Hazel: Baby Name of the Day." Appellation Mountain, 15 Nov. 2017, https://appellationmountain.net/name-of-the-day-hazel/.
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