Ezra name is a Hebrew boy name meaning help, rooted in the ancient Semitic word azar. The Ezra name carries deep biblical significance as the scribe who led Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem. Ezra history spans millennia from biblical texts to modern classrooms. Parents today choose Ezra for its concise two-syllable sound, rich spiritual heritage, and strong upward trend across naming charts.
Name OverviewEzra
#37 in 2023 — 8,367 births recorded (U.S. Social Security Administration) Peak position: #37 (2023) · First recorded: #483 (1880)
1880
2010
2023
Hebrew — Semitic language family First recorded: post-exilic biblical period (5th century BCE) Original form: עזרא (Ezra) (Oxford Dictionary of First Names)
EHZ-ruh · /ˈɛzrə/ · 2 syllables Stress on first syllable: EZ·ra (Merriam-Webster)
Classification: Boy · Female form: None · Unisex: No Over 99% male assignment in official records (SSA)
Core: Help · Secondary: Yahweh has helped HelperSupportDivine AidStrength(Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon)
What Does the Ezra Name Mean?
Ezra name meaning centers on the Hebrew word azar, translating directly to help or helper. The Ezra name significance extends to Yahweh has helped as a theological phrase. This Ezra name blessing carries weight across Jewish and Christian traditions, making it a deeply purposeful choice for families seeking spiritual depth.
Gender Analysis
99%+
Male Assignment
Female Assignment
Classification: Exclusively masculine · Unisex status: No · Female form: None in use (U.S. Social Security Administration)
Over 99% of all Ezra births recorded in the United States are assigned male. The SSA has documented no meaningful female usage across any reporting year since records began in 1880.
England, Wales, Australia, and Israel all classify Ezra name as a boy name in their official registries. No country with significant Ezra usage reports unisex or female classification trends.
What Does Ezra Name Mean Across Religions?
Ezra name has religious significance that spans three major faiths. In the Ezra name Islamic context, the name appears as Uzair and holds a permissible status. Ezra in the Bible refers to the priestly scribe who rebuilt Jerusalem. The Ezra Jewish heritage runs deepest, as the original Hebrew figure restored Torah reading to the community.
Religious Significance
Ezra Meaning in Hebrew
Status
Highly Significant
Hebrew Form
עזרא
Ezra is a central figure in the Tanakh (Ezra-Nehemiah). He led the return from Babylonian exile and reinstated public Torah reading, making him one of the most historically significant names in Jewish tradition. (Jewish Virtual Library)
Ezra in the Bible
Book
Book of Ezra
Role
Scribe & Priest
The Book of Ezra chronicles his leadership in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Christian tradition honors him as a model of devotion, scholarship, and faithful leadership. (The Oxford Bible Commentary)
Ezra in the Quran and Islamic Tradition
Quranic Name
Uzair (عزير)
Status
Mubah (Permissible)
Ezra appears in the Quran as Uzair (Surah At-Tawbah 9:30). Islamic scholars classify the name as Mubah — permissible for use — since naming after historical biblical figures is allowed unless explicitly forbidden. (Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah)
Ezra ranked thirty-seventh in the United States during 2023 with 8,367 births recorded. This Ezra popular position marks a dramatic climb from its 2010 ranking of two hundred forty-third.
Ezra Popularity in the United States
Ezra Popularity Around the World
Popularity Dashboard
📊 #37 US (2023)
#483
1880
#243
2010
#37
2023
2023 — #37
8,367 male births recorded in the United States. Current peak position, representing a 446-position climb since 2010. (U.S. Social Security Administration)
🇬🇧England & Wales
#42
Ranked 42nd in 2023 among baby boy names. (UK Office for National Statistics)
🇦🇺Australia
#74
Ranked 74th in 2023 among baby boy names. (Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages)
🇮🇱Israel
#16
Ranked 16th in 2022 — highest global ranking, reflecting deep Hebrew cultural roots. (Israel Central Bureau of Statistics)
Sources: U.S. SSA · UK ONS · Australian RBDM · Israel CBS
What Makes Ezra Name a Special Name?
Ezra name unique appeal lies in bridging ancient scripture and contemporary style without compromise. The Ezra cultural legacy carries unmatched religious weight while feeling fresh on modern playgrounds. Ezra timeless quality stems from its brevity, strong consonant sounds, and heritage that predates most Western naming traditions by centuries.
Key Facts About Ezra Name
Ezra name appeared first in SSA records at rank four hundred eighty-three in 1880. The name reached its current peak at thirty-seventh in 2023, representing one of the steepest ascent curves among biblical boy names in American history.
📌 Key Facts
First SSA Record▼
#483 in 1880
Ezra name first entered Social Security Administration records in 1880 at rank 483, making it a known but uncommon biblical choice in post-Civil War America.
Steepest Climb Era▼
2010 to 2023
Jumped 206 positions in just 13 years — from #243 to #37 — one of the fastest ascents among all biblical boy names in the 21st century.
Global Reach▼
Top 50 in 3 countries
Ezra name ranks in the Top 50 in England & Wales (#42), Top 100 in Australia (#74), and Top 20 in Israel (#16) simultaneously.
Biblical Book▼
Book of Ezra
One of the few Old Testament names directly tied to a complete biblical book, giving it unmatched scriptural visibility among boy names.
Expert Rating for the Ezra Name
Ezra name earns an overall score of eight out of ten, driven by a perfect ten in cultural heritage. Sound and flow rate eight, while uniqueness scores five due to its surging popularity narrowing its rare-name status.
Expert Rating
⭐ 8.0 / 10
Two crisp syllables with a strong Z-initial create excellent phonetic balance. The open second syllable prevents harshness and contributes to smooth pairing with most middle and surnames.
Rapidly rising popularity has reduced Ezra’s rarity. While not yet overused, the name no longer qualifies as uncommon in most American communities.
Unmatched depth spanning Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A dedicated biblical book, historical scribe, and Quranic reference make this one of the most heritage-rich boy names available.
Four letters, entirely phonetic spelling, and no silent characters make Ezra name exceptionally straightforward. The Z may occasionally be confused with X by very young children learning to write.
Scoring methodology derived from onomastic naming studies · Names: A Journal of Onomastics (Routledge)
Ezra: Personality & Vibe
Ezra personality evokes quiet intellect, artistic sensitivity, and thoughtful composure. The name projects a bookish charm balanced by approachable warmth. People perceive Ezra as creative, grounded, and possessing an old-soul quality beyond his years.
🧠 Personality & Vibe
Intellectual
92%
Ezra strongly signals bookish intelligence, academic curiosity, and thoughtful analysis. The name carries scholarly weight from its biblical scribe origins.
Creative
85%
Artistic associations run high — from Ezra Pound’s poetry to Ezra Jack Keats’ illustration. The Z-initial adds an imaginative, unconventional edge.
Warmth
78%
Despite intellectual associations, Ezra feels approachable and gentle. The soft second syllable prevents any coldness or distance in perception.
Strength
70%
Quiet strength rather than overt power. The name suggests resilience through wisdom rather than dominance through force.
Old-Soul
Artistic
Gentle
Principled
The old-soul vibe is Ezra’s strongest trait — a name that feels like it belongs to someone wiser than their years, carrying quiet authority without demanding attention.
Pros and Cons About Ezra
Ezra strengths include its concise two-syllable structure, deep spiritual roots, and cross-cultural recognition. Considerations involve its rapid popularity spike potentially reducing distinctiveness, and occasional pronunciation confusion among those unfamiliar with the name.
✅ Strengths
⚠️ Considerations
Pros 3
Four letters and two syllables make Ezra exceptionally easy to say, spell, and remember — practical advantages that grow with a child.
Recognized across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, offering rare cross-faith resonance that few other names can claim.
Works naturally in English, Hebrew, and Arabic-speaking contexts, ideal for multicultural families or global mobility.
Cons 2
The steep climb to #37 means multiple Ezras in classrooms is increasingly likely, reducing the name’s distinctiveness over time.
Some unfamiliar speakers may say “EE-zra” instead of the correct “EHZ-ruh,” requiring occasional gentle correction.
Overall assessment: Ezra’s substantial strengths significantly outweigh its manageable considerations.
Is Ezra Name a Good Baby Name in 2025?
Ezra name is an excellent baby name choice for 2025, offering parents a rare combination of historical depth and modern momentum. Its consistent upward trajectory confirms strong staying power. We recommend Ezra name for families wanting a timeless yet currently stylish name that works across cultures and generations.
✅ YES — Recommended
Is Ezra Name a good baby name in 2025?
8.0
★★★★★
Thirteen consecutive years of growth signals genuine demand rather than a brief spike. The #37 position is strong yet still below overexposure territory.
Works seamlessly across English, Hebrew, and Arabic contexts — a practical advantage in our increasingly interconnected world.
A dedicated biblical book, cross-faith recognition, and thousands of years of documented use provide substance that trend-driven names cannot match.
Four letters, phonetic spelling, and two punchy syllables make it practical for daily use while still sounding distinctive and memorable.
Verdict: Ezra is a top-tier 2025 baby name choice with enduring value.
Personality Traits Associated With Ezra
Ezra personality traits associated with the name reflect cultural perception rather than scientific evidence. The Ezra character archetype draws from its biblical heritage of wisdom and leadership. Ezra cultural perception leans toward scholarly, gentle, and principled, though individual temperament always differs from name-based assumptions.
The biblical Ezra name was a scribe devoted to sacred texts, cementing an association with intellectual depth, studiousness, and reverence for knowledge.
BookishAnalyticalThoughtful
Leading the return from exile and rebuilding the Temple established a leadership archetype rooted in conviction, community responsibility, and principled action.
PrincipledResponsibleCourageous
Modern bearers — poets, musicians, illustrators — reinforce a creative perception. The Z-initial adds an unconventional edge that pairs naturally with artistic temperaments.
ImaginativeExpressiveOriginal
The soft-ra ending and two-syllable brevity project calm energy. People tend to perceive Ezra as introverted yet warm — reserved but never cold.
CalmGentleApproachable
⚠️ Disclaimer: These traits reflect cultural associations and perceptions, not scientific personality assessments. Individual character is shaped by environment, upbringing, and personal experience — not by a name.
Ezra Nicknames, Middle Names and Sibling Names
Ezra nicknames, middle names, and sibling combinations enhance its versatility. Ezra nicknames like Zeke add playful energy, while classic middle pairings create rhythmic flow. Ezra siblings pairing works well with other vintage-revival names sharing Hebrew roots or similar consonant-driven sounds for cohesive family naming.
Nicknames for Ezra
The most recognized Ezra nicknames include Zeke, Ez, and Z. Zeke serves as the most common nickname for Ezra name, offering a lively informal alternative that preserves the name’s distinctive Z-initial sound.
🏷️ Nicknames
Zeke
Ez
Z
Rae
Zeke is the most widely used nickname for Ezra, bringing energetic and friendly flair. It preserves the distinctive Z-sound while feeling more casual and playful — perfect for childhood while Ezra remains the formal name for adulthood.
💡 Tip: Establishing Zeke as the childhood nickname while saving Ezra for formal settings gives your child flexibility as they grow.
Middle Names for Ezra
Popular middle names for Ezra include single-syllable choices like James and Cole for crisp rhythm, or longer options such as Alexander and Theodore that create elegant three-syllable flow when paired together.
🔗 Middle Names
Classic and grounded. The single-syllable James creates a crisp Ezra-James rhythm that feels both traditional and polished.
Modern and punchy. Cole’s hard C-sound contrasts nicely with Ezra’s softer ending for a balanced, contemporary combination.
Sleek and understated. Reid adds a refined edge without competing for attention, letting Ezra remain the focal name.
Both names share vintage-revival energy. The four-syllable total creates a melodic, flowing combination with strong visual balance.
Miles adds an adventurous, slightly literary quality. The shared S-sound between the names creates subtle phonetic connection.
Grand and commanding. Alexander’s length balances Ezra’s brevity, creating an impressive full name suitable for formal occasions.
Theodore’s warmth complements Ezra’s quiet intensity. Together they project intellectual substance with approachable charm.
Sophisticated and cosmopolitan. Sebastian adds European flair that pairs unexpectedly well with Ezra’s Hebrew simplicity.
⚠️ Avoid middle names ending in a vowel sound (like Ezra Noah) — the syllables can blend together and lose distinct separation.
Sibling Names for Ezra
Popular sibling names for Ezra include Asher, Silas, and Naomi for their shared Hebrew heritage and vintage appeal. Brother names like Leo and Isaac complement Ezra’s rhythm, while sister pairings such as Hazel and Clara maintain the same old-meets-new aesthetic.
👶 Sibling Names
Asher ▼
Hebrew origin
Shared Hebrew roots create strong thematic cohesion. Asher’s two-syllable structure and cheerful meaning (“happy”) complement Ezra’s thoughtful energy perfectly.
Silas ▼
Latin / Aramaic
Vintage-revival pairing that matches Ezra’s stylistic profile. Both names feel historic yet modern without competing for attention.
Leo ▼
Latin origin
Short and energetic, Leo adds warmth to balance Ezra’s intellectual vibe. The contrasting endings (-o vs -a) create pleasing phonetic variety.
Isaac ▼
Hebrew origin
Double Hebrew heritage with biblical depth. Isaac’s two-syllable cadence mirrors Ezra’s rhythm for natural sibling harmony.
Naomi ▼
Hebrew origin
Deep Hebrew connection with a soft, melodic sound. Naomi’s three syllables create beautiful contrast against Ezra’s brevity.
Hazel ▼
English origin
Nature-name charm that shares Ezra’s vintage appeal. Both names feel rooted in the early 20th century yet thoroughly modern today.
Clara ▼
Latin origin
Classic elegance that pairs naturally with Ezra. Clara’s bright C-sound contrasts the Z-initial for complementary sibling dynamics.
Violet ▼
English / Latin
Literary and artistic, matching Ezra’s creative associations. Both names carry a refined yet accessible quality that ages beautifully.
Similar Names for Ezra
Common similar names related to Ezra include Ezekiel, Elias, and Enzo for their shared sounds or origins. Ezekiel shares the same Hebrew root and Z-initial, while Enzo offers a contemporary European alternative with parallel phonetic energy.
🔗 Similar Names
Shares the Hebrew root and distinctive Z-initial. Ezekiel’s longer form offers the same biblical gravitas with a more elaborate sound profile. Same language family
Parallel biblical heritage with a softer three-syllable flow. Elias shares Ezra’s vintage-revival trajectory and cross-cultural fluency. Biblical connection
Matches the Z-sound energy in a compact European package. Enzo shares Ezra’s brevity and contemporary edge while offering Mediterranean flair. Similar sound
Soft vowel-driven alternative with Hebrew overlaps. Elian’s flowing sound contrasts Ezra’s crispness while maintaining similar cultural resonance. Overlapping roots
Modern literary association shares Ezra’s intellectual vibe. Ender’s E-initial and two-syllable structure create parallel phonetic architecture. Similar vibe
Famous People Named Ezra
Notable Ezra name figures span philanthropy, literature, music, and journalism. Ezra name Cornell co-founded Cornell University, Ezra Pound revolutionized modernist poetry, Ezra Jack Keats created the beloved Snowy Day, Ezra Koenig leads Vampire Weekend, and Ezra Klein co-founded Vox Media.
⭐
Famous People Named Ezra
Total Listed
5
Fields
5
Era Span
1805–Present
Co-founded Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. A businessman and philanthropist whose legacy endures through one of America’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions. (Cornell University Archives)
Major figure in early modernist poetry who championed literary innovation and influenced writers including T.S. Eliot and James Joyce. A central force in the Imagist movement. (Library of Congress)
Creator of “The Snowy Day,” a groundbreaking children’s book featuring an African American protagonist. Revolutionized children’s literature with his collage-based illustration style. (de Grummond Collection, USM)
Lead singer and guitarist of Vampire Weekend, the acclaimed indie rock band known for blending baroque pop with African rhythms. Multiple Grammy Award winner. (Grammy.com)
Co-founded Vox Media and hosts “The Ezra Klein Show” podcast. A prominent political commentator and policy analyst shaping modern American journalistic discourse. (Columbia Journalism Review)
Parents Who Like Ezra Also Like
Ezra similar names that attract the same parents share vintage-revival energy, Hebrew heritage, or crisp two-syllable structure. Ezra parents typically gravitate toward names with biblical depth and modern styling, favoring Ezra classic appeal over trend-driven choices.
💕 Parents Also Like
All
Hebrew
Vintage Revival
Z-Sound
Shares Ezra’s Hebrew roots and two-syllable brevity. Meaning “happy,” Asher offers the same biblical-meets-modern balance that draws parents to Ezra.
Meaning
Happy
US Rank
#24
Biblical depth with a rugged, friendly sound. Caleb’s steady popularity mirrors Ezra’s upward trajectory among parents seeking spiritual substance.
Meaning
Faithful
US Rank
#51
Captures the appealing Z-initial energy in a modern, streamlined package. Zane attracts parents who love Ezra’s edge but want something less biblical.
Meaning
God is gracious
US Rank
#265
Vintage-revival charm with literary undertones. Miles pairs seamlessly with Ezra in sibling sets and shares its tailored, effortless coolness.
Meaning
Soldier
US Rank
#52
Same biblical heritage category with a gentle, approachable sound. Jonah’s two-syllable softness parallels Ezra’s quiet strength profile.
Meaning
Dove
US Rank
#149
Final Thoughts on the Name Ezra
Ezra delivers what few names manage — genuine ancient authority wrapped in modern accessibility. Its ascent from obscurity to the top forty reflects a broader cultural return to meaningful, heritage-rich naming. “Ezra proves that a name can carry three thousand years of weight and still sound like it was made for today.” We confidently recommend Ezra for parents seeking substance over trend, with the understanding that its rising popularity means your child will share this name with peers rather than stand alone with it. • Climbed 446 positions in 13 years — among the steepest biblical name ascents in SSA history
• Recognized across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — rare cross-faith name acceptance
• Expert score of 8.0/10 with a perfect 10 in cultural heritage
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra
Here are the most common questions parents ask about the name Ezra.
❓
Ezra means “help” in Hebrew, derived from the root word azar. The theological extension translates to “Yahweh has helped,” reflecting divine assistance and support in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Yes, Ezra is a prominent biblical name. The Book of Ezra in the Old Testament chronicles the scribe and priest who led Jewish exiles back from Babylon and helped rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem around 458 BCE.
Ezra is an excellent boy name, scoring 8.0 out of 10 in expert ratings. It combines a concise two-syllable structure, deep spiritual heritage across three faiths, and strong modern momentum at US rank #37 in 2023.
Zeke is the most popular nickname for Ezra, offering a lively and friendly alternative. Other options include Ez for a clean modern shorthand, Z for a punchy minimal choice, and Rae drawn from the second syllable.
Ezra is pronounced “EHZ-ruh” with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription is /ˈɛzrə/. The most common mispronunciation is “EE-zra,” which places the emphasis incorrectly on the long E sound.
Ezra is permissible (Mubah) in Islam. It appears in the Quran as Uzair in Surah At-Tawbah 9:30. Islamic scholars generally allow naming after historical biblical figures unless explicitly forbidden in Islamic texts.
Ezra at #37 is popular but not overused. For context, the top 10 names each have over 10,000 births annually, while Ezra had 8,367. It remains less common than Oliver, Liam, or Noah, preserving reasonable distinctiveness in most classrooms.
