Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "helper" or "assistant." It is derived from the Hebrew word "azar," which means "to help" or "assist." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Ezra was a priest and scribe who played a significant role in rebuilding the Jewish community after their exile in Babylon. He is credited with reintroducing the Torah, or the law of Moses, to the Israelites upon their return from captivity.
The name Ezra has been used throughout history, particularly among Jewish families. It gained popularity among non-Jewish populations in the 19th century as a result of its biblical origins and positive connotations. Today, it is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
In terms of its popularity, Ezra has been steadily gaining traction over the years. In the United States, for instance, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since the 1980s. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other biblical names such as John or Michael.
In conclusion, Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin with a meaningful and historic significance. Its biblical roots have contributed to its enduring popularity among various cultures and communities throughout history. Despite not being one of the most common names today, Ezra continues to be cherished by those who choose it for their children due to its profound meaning and rich heritage.
The name Ezra has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fewer than 50 births each year with the name Ezra. However, from the 1970s onwards, we see a steady rise in the number of babies named Ezra.
In the 1970s, there were around 100-150 births per year with the name Ezra. This increased to around 200-300 births per year in the 1980s and 1990s. The turn of the century marked a significant shift in popularity for the name Ezra, with over 400 births each year from 2000 onwards.
The peak of popularity for the name Ezra in the United States was reached in recent years, with over 8,000 births in 2022 and over 8,400 births in 2023. This represents a significant increase compared to previous decades, indicating that Ezra is currently one of the most popular names for newborn boys in the United States.
Overall, these statistics show that while Ezra was once a relatively uncommon name, it has gained significant popularity in recent years and is now among the top choices for parents naming their newborn sons.