Blythe vs Hazel

Blythe is an Old English girl's name meaning A cheerful and lighthearted name that means happy or carefree, while Hazel is an Old English girl's name meaning A botanical name taken from the hazelnut tree or the color of its wood. Both have 2 syllables.

Blythe

/BLAYTH/

Meaning
A cheerful and lighthearted name that means happy or carefree.
Origin
Old English
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
6
Nicknames
Blithe, Blyth, Blithely, Bly
Loved
0 times

Blythe originates from the Old English word 'blīðe', which translates to joyous, kind, or cheerful. Historically, it emerged as a descriptive surname for a person with a happy disposition before transitioning into use as a given name.

Full Blythe name page

Hazel

/HAY-zel/

Meaning
A botanical name taken from the hazelnut tree or the color of its wood.
Origin
Old English
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
5
Nicknames
Hazell, Hazelle, Haze, Hayzel, Hazel-Grace
Loved
0 times

Derived from the Old English word 'hæsel', the name refers to the hazelnut-bearing shrub or tree. Historically, the hazel tree was associated with wisdom, protection, and authority in Celtic and English folklore, often linked to the staff of Hermes.

Full Hazel name page

How to choose between Blythe and Hazel

  • Sound: Blythe runs to 2 syllables (/BLAYTH/) and Hazel to 2 (/HAY-zel/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share an Old English background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Blythe shortens to Blithe, Blyth, Blithely. Hazel shortens to Hazell, Hazelle, Haze.
  • Usage today: While historically used as a surname in the United Kingdom, Blythe is now a gender-neutral given name popular in North America and England. It is often chosen for its vintage, understated elegance and positive connotations. Hazel saw a significant peak in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before experiencing a major modern revival in English-speaking countries like the United States and England.

Blythe vs Hazel: common questions

Is Blythe or Hazel easier to pronounce?
Blythe is said /BLAYTH/ with 2 syllables, while Hazel is said /HAY-zel/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Blythe and Hazel?
Blythe means A cheerful and lighthearted name that means happy or carefree. Hazel means A botanical name taken from the hazelnut tree or the color of its wood.
Which is more popular, Blythe or Hazel?
Blythe and Hazel are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).