Aza is a name of African origin, specifically from the Fulani people who live in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The meaning behind this unique name is "blessing" or "gift from God." It's believed to have been given to children as a way to express gratitude for their arrival into the world.
The history of the name Aza is not well-documented, but it has been used by the Fulani people for generations. Some sources suggest that it may have started as a nickname or shortened form of another name, such as Aziza (meaning "radiant" in Arabic). However, others insist that it stands alone as a distinct given name with its own significance.
Regardless of its exact origins, Aza remains a beloved and popular choice among many African communities today. It's often chosen for its beautiful sound and meaningful connotation, making it an attractive option for parents looking to give their child a unique yet significant moniker.
The name Aza has seen a varied but increasing trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1920 and 2023, there have been a total of 470 births registered with this name.
While the number of babies named Aza was quite low during the early to mid-20th century, averaging around 5 to 8 births per year from 1920 to 1954, it began to pick up slightly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There were 7 births each in 1991 and 1992, followed by a slight dip to 5 births per year from 1997 to 1999.
However, since the turn of the millennium, there has been a notable increase in the number of babies named Aza. The year 2000 marked a significant jump with 12 births, which was more than double the previous year's figure. This trend continued throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with several years registering over 10 births each.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Aza has shown no signs of slowing down. From 2017 to 2023, there were at least 19 births each year, with peaks reaching as high as 24 and 26 births in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Even during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the name remained popular, with 21 and 15 births recorded respectively.
Overall, while Aza may not have been one of the most common names throughout history, its popularity has grown significantly in recent decades, indicating that it continues to be a beloved choice for parents across the United States.