Aziz is a male given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word 'azīz', which means 'powerful' or 'mighty'. The name Aziz is often associated with strength, courage, and authority.
The name Aziz has been popular throughout history in various cultures that have been influenced by Arabic culture. One famous bearer of this name was Al-Aziz Billah, a Fatimid Caliph who ruled from 975 to 996 AD. He was known for his wise leadership and military victories during his reign.
In literature, the name Aziz is also notable as it was used in E.M. Forster's novel "A Passage to India". In this story, Dr. Aziz is a Muslim physician who struggles with issues of identity, class, and colonialism in British-ruled India.
Today, Aziz continues to be a popular name for boys in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It is often used as a given name or a middle name, reflecting its historic significance and positive connotations.
Aziz is a unique and popular name in the United States, with a total of 1681 babies given this name between 1971 and 2023. The popularity of Aziz has varied over the years, but it has consistently been among the more uncommon names chosen for newborns.
In the early 1970s, Aziz was relatively rare, with only a handful of births each year. However, its popularity began to grow in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching double-digit numbers annually between 1978 and 1985.
The highest number of babies named Aziz was born in 2023, with a total of 81 births recorded so far this year. This is a significant increase from the previous peak in 2022, when there were 76 births. The recent rise in popularity suggests that Aziz continues to be a well-liked and distinctive name among American parents.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that Aziz is a name with enduring appeal. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, it remains a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.