Hazel

/HAY-zel/

Old EnglishGirl

Hazel is an Old English girl's name pronounced /HAY-zel/. A botanical name taken from the hazelnut tree or the color of its wood.

Meaning of Hazel

A botanical name taken from the hazelnut tree or the color of its wood.

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.

Origin
Old English
Pronunciation
/HAY-zel/

Cultural background

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.

Variations & nicknames

  • Hazell
  • Hazelle
  • Haze
  • Hayzel
  • Hazel-Grace

Famous people named Hazel

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Hazel Court

    English actress known for her roles in horror films.

    Film · 1940s–1980s

  • Hazel Scott

    Trinidadian-born jazz and classical pianist and singer.

    Music · 1930s–1980s

  • Hazel O'Connor

    British singer-songwriter and actress.

    Music · 1980s–present

  • Hazel Lancaster

    The protagonist of the novel and film 'The Fault in Our Stars'.

    Literature · 2012–present

  • Hazel Blears

    British Labour Party politician who served as Secretary of State.

    Politics · 1990s–2010s

Frequently asked about Hazel

What does Hazel mean?
Hazel is a botanical name derived from the hazelnut tree or the light brown/greenish color of its wood and nuts.
How do you pronounce Hazel?
Hazel is pronounced HAY-zul.
Is Hazel a boy or girl name?
Hazel is primarily used as a girl's name, though it has historically seen rare use as a masculine name.
Is Hazel a popular name?
Yes, Hazel has returned to high popularity in the 21st century, often ranking within the top 50 names for girls in the United States.

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