Ezekiel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Old Testament prophet by that name. The meaning of Ezekiel is "God will strengthen" or "God shall make strong." This name is often associated with religious or spiritual themes due to its biblical roots.
The prophet Ezekiel was born in Jerusalem during the Babylonian captivity and served as a priest before being called to prophecy. His visions, recorded in the Book of Ezekiel, are among the most vivid and fantastical in the Bible. He predicted the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II, but also foretold its eventual restoration.
The name Ezekiel has been used throughout history, notably by a fourth-century bishop of Caesarea and an early church father who wrote commentaries on Genesis and Exodus. In more recent times, it has gained popularity as a given name, with notable bearers including American rapper Ezekiel "Kendrick Lamar" Carter III and New Zealand cricketer Ezekiel "Zeke" Badger.
Despite its religious origins, the name Ezekiel has evolved beyond its biblical roots and is now simply seen as a unique and strong-sounding option for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. Its meaning, suggesting divine reinforcement or empowerment, continues to resonate with many families who choose this name for their sons.
The name Ezekiel has seen varying popularity over recent years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided. Between 2013 and 2022, there were a total of 45 babies named Ezekiel.
In 2013, Ezekiel was given to 7 newborns, which was the highest number of births recorded for that year. However, the popularity of the name seemed to decline slightly in the following years, with only 5 babies being named Ezekiel in both 2015 and 2022.
The name experienced a brief resurgence in popularity between 2016 and 2017, with 6 births in each year. This trend continued into 2020 and 2021, where the number of Ezekiel births increased to 8 in both years.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Ezekiel has fluctuated over the past decade, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child.