Hazel
HAY-zəl
A nature name tied to the hazel tree and nut, with a warm, earthy feel.
Meaning
Hazel is an English nature name taken from the hazel tree and its nut. In the excerpted etymologies, it is connected with the Latin word *avellana*, meaning “hazel nut.” As a given name, it became popular as a directly borrowed tree name rather than from a saint or traditional biblical source.
Origin
EnglishLatinunisex
Fun fact
In the older name books, Hazel is discussed alongside Evelyn/Evelyn as part of the hazel-nut etymology cluster.
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names, Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland.