Hamzah is a name of Arabic origin, meaning "praiseworthy" or "laudable." It is derived from the root word 'hamza', which signifies praise and commendation.
The name Hamzah holds significant historical importance in Islam, as it was the father of Hz. Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the fourth Caliph of the Islamic Empire. He is often referred to as Hamzah al-Mujahid, meaning "Hamzah the Struggling in the Path of Allah," due to his valiant efforts in defending Islam during his time.
In Arabic culture, Hamzah is considered a strong and noble name, often bestowed upon children in hopes that they too will embody the praiseworthy qualities associated with it. It is also one of the 99 beautiful names (asma') of Allah in Islam, further emphasizing its significance and reverence.
Today, Hamzah remains popular among Muslims around the world as a boy's name, serving as a reminder of the praised and laudable qualities that its bearer should aspire to possess. Its unique sound and rich history make it an appealing choice for parents seeking meaningful names for their children.
The name Hamzah has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. Between 1979 and 2022, there were a total of 1,456 births registered with the name Hamzah.
The earliest year for which data is available is 1979, with only seven births recorded that year. The popularity of the name grew steadily throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a peak in 1999 with 62 births. This high point was maintained for several years, with over 40 births each year from 1997 to 2003.
However, after 2004, the popularity of the name began to decline, dropping below 50 births per year consistently until 2018. Since then, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name, with over 50 births each year from 2018 to 2022.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity, Hamzah remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States. Its total number of births over the past four decades is far lower than many other popular names during this period. Nevertheless, it continues to be chosen by parents as a unique and distinct option for their children.