Ezekiel is a name of Hebrew origin that has been used throughout history and continues to be popular today. The name Ezekiel is derived from two Hebrew words, "Azek" meaning "God is strong" and "El" meaning "God." Therefore, the overall meaning of the name Ezekiel is "God is strong."
The name Ezekiel appears in the Old Testament of the Bible as the prophet Ezekiel, who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar II to Babylon around 593 BCE. He is known for his visions and prophecies recorded in the Book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel was a priest who served God and delivered messages of warning and hope during the time of exile.
Throughout history, several prominent figures have carried the name Ezekiel. For example, Ezekiel Hopkins was an American poet and scholar born in the 17th century, while Ezekiel Attie is a contemporary Israeli film director known for his acclaimed documentaries. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the name Ezekiel across different cultures and time periods.
In recent years, the name Ezekiel has gained popularity as a baby boy name in various countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ezekiel has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys since 2013.
Overall, the name Ezekiel offers a rich historical and cultural heritage while conveying a strong and powerful meaning associated with divine strength. Its biblical origins and enduring popularity make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
The name Ezekiel has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, there were fewer than 50 births per year, reaching as low as single digits in some years. However, beginning around the mid-20th century, there was a notable increase, with the annual number of births steadily rising from the hundreds to thousands by the end of the 20th century.
The most significant jump occurred between the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Ezekiel going from around 700 births in 1999 to over 1800 births in 2003. This trend continued into the 21st century, with a peak of 6030 births recorded in 2022.
Overall, since 1880 until 2023, there have been a total of 72982 births named Ezekiel.