Meaning of Name Azariah

Choosing a name for your baby is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on their life. Many parents look for names with significant meanings or cultural significance. One such name is Azariah, a biblical name with Hebrew origins. In this article, we will explore the meaning and history of the name Azariah, as well as its popularity and variations. We will also provide tips for parents considering the name Azariah for their baby.

The name Azariah is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the Hebrew name Azaryahu, which means 'helped by God' or 'whom God helps'. The name appears in the Old Testament as the name of several biblical figures, including a high priest and a king of Judah. In the book of Daniel, Azariah is the name given to the prophet Hananiah, one of the three young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace and miraculously survived. The name Azariah is also sometimes spelled Azaria or Azarya.

The name Azariah is not a very common name in the United States, but it has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Azariah was ranked #862 in popularity for boys in 2020. This represents a significant increase from its ranking of #1,107 in 2015. The name is also occasionally used for girls, although it is much less common. In 2020, the name Azariah was ranked #2,979 in popularity for girls.

There are several variations of the name Azariah, including Azaria, Azarya, and Azaryah. In addition, the name can be spelled with different endings, such as Azariah-El, which means 'helped by God-El', with El being the Hebrew word for God. The name can also be combined with other Hebrew names to create compound names, such as Azariah-Yehoshua, which means 'helped by God who saves'.

There have been several notable people throughout history with the name Azariah. In the Bible, Azariah was the name of a high priest who served in the temple in Jerusalem. Azariah was also the name of a king of Judah who ruled in the 8th century BC. In more recent times, Azariah was the name of Azariah Southworth, an American television producer and writer. Southworth is best known for his work on the television show 'The Real World: Brooklyn'.

If you are considering the name Azariah for your baby, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be aware that the name may be unfamiliar to some people, and you may need to explain its meaning and origins. Second, consider the potential nicknames that may arise from the name, such as Aza or Riah. Finally, think about how the name Azariah will sound with your last name and whether it will be easy for your child to spell and pronounce.

In conclusion, the name Azariah is a biblical name with Hebrew origins that means 'helped by God' or 'whom God helps'. While not a very common name, it has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years. There are several variations of the name, and it has been used by several notable people throughout history. If you are considering the name Azariah for your baby, be sure to consider its potential nicknames and how it will sound with your last name.