Hezekiah is a unique and uncommon given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew words "Chazak" which means "strong" or "powerful", and "El" which refers to God. Therefore, Hezekiah translates to "Strength of God".
The name Hezekiah has a rich historical background. It is most notably associated with King Hezekiah, the 13th ruler of Judah, who reigned during the 8th century BCE. According to the Bible, he was a wise and just king who brought about religious reforms and strengthened Jerusalem's defenses against Assyrian invasions. The Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament is named after the prophet Isaiah who lived during Hezekiah's reign.
In modern times, Hezekiah has been used sparsely as a given name. It is considered unique due to its rarity but carries significant historical and religious connotations. It is most common among individuals of Jewish faith or those with an interest in Hebrew culture and history. Overall, the name Hezekiah signifies strength, power, and divine connection.
The name Hezekiah experienced a significant rise in popularity over the past century, with a marked increase starting around the late 1990s. From fewer than ten annual births between 1880 and 1960, it gradually gained traction, reaching double-digit figures from the mid-1970s onwards. The name's popularity surged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with annual births consistently above 200 since 2000. In recent years, Hezekiah has become one of the most popular names, with over 550 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 9951 births for the name Hezekiah from 1880 to 2023.