Hazael is a rare and unique male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Semitic root word "hzl," which means "to see" or "to visualize." Therefore, Hazael can be translated to mean "God sees" or "God has seen."
The name Hazael appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Books of Kings. According to the story, Hazael was a soldier who became king of Syria after assassinating King Ben-hadad II. He is also mentioned as the father of the prophet Jehu in some accounts.
Despite its biblical origins and historical significance, Hazael has not been widely used throughout history. It remains relatively unknown outside of scholarly circles, making it an unusual choice for a given name today. However, those who do choose this name likely appreciate its unique sound and significant meaning.
In terms of pronunciation, Hazael is typically pronounced as "Ha-zay-el." The stress falls on the second syllable, with each vowel being short and the consonants being clearly articulated. The letter combination 'ae' in English is pronounced like /e/, so Hazael rhymes with "day" or "ray."
Overall, Hazael is a distinctive and meaningful name with roots deep in ancient history. Its unique origin and powerful meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different and significant for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Hazael in the United States:
Between 1983 and 2023, a total of 561 babies were given the name Hazael. This name has seen its popularity fluctuate over the years.
In 2004, Hazael was at its peak popularity with 32 births that year. However, it dropped significantly in 2020 to just 15 births.
The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 22 births with the name Hazael.
While Hazael is not a particularly common name, it has been given to several hundred babies over nearly four decades, indicating some level of enduring appeal.