Ozell is an unusual and distinctive given name of African American origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known as those of many other names, which makes it all the more intriguing.
The name Ozell is believed to have originated in the southern United States during the late 19th or early 20th century. It is thought to be a variant of the name Uzel, which itself may have been derived from the German name Uzzo or the Hebrew name Oziel. However, there is no definitive information on the exact origins of Ozell.
As for its meaning, there are several possible interpretations depending on the source consulted. Some sources suggest that Ozell means "God is my strength" in Hebrew, while others claim it means "strength of God" or "strength from God." Still other sources give it a more secular meaning, such as "strong as an ox."
Despite its somewhat uncertain origins and meanings, Ozell has been used as a given name for both boys and girls throughout the 20th century. According to some sources, it may have been particularly popular in African American communities during this time period.
Today, Ozell remains relatively rare compared to many other names, but it continues to be used by parents who are drawn to its unique sound and potential meanings. Whether you believe that Ozell means "God is my strength" or simply like the way it sounds, there's no denying that this distinctive name has a certain appeal.
In conclusion, while the origins and meanings of Ozell may not be as clear-cut as those of many other names, its rarity and uniqueness make it an intriguing choice for parents looking to give their child a truly stand-out name.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Ozell in the United States:
From 1909 to 2020, there were a total of 1,720 babies named Ozell born in the U.S., making it a relatively uncommon name during this period.
The name's popularity fluctuated significantly over the years. The earliest peak was between 1934 and 1937, when around 40-42 babies were named Ozell each year. This was the most popular period for the name during the given time frame.
However, after the 1950s, the name's popularity declined significantly, with fewer than 30 babies being named Ozell annually from that decade onwards. The lowest points occurred in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when there were typically fewer than 15 births per year.
In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with around 5-6 babies being named Ozell annually since 2011. Despite this recent uptick, Ozell remains quite rare compared to other names in the U.S.