What does Azalea mean and where does it come from?
The name Azalea is derived from the Greek word 'azaleos,' which means 'dry,' referring to the habitat of the plant. The azalea flower is native to North America and is associated with beauty and elegance. Azalea has been used as a name since the 19th century and has become popular in various English
Cultural significance
Azalea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dry.
Peak popularity
Reached #278 in 2025 — currently #278 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Azalea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Azalea?
Azalea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Azalea Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Azalea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Azalea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Azalea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Azalea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Azalea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Azalea right now?
Rising fast — up 79 spots — currently #278 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #278 | 1,109 | ▲ up 79 · +27% births |
| 2024 | #357 | 872 | ▲ up 8 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #365 | 841 | ▲ up 36 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #401 | 782 | ▲ up 19 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #420 | 750 | ▲ up 63 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #483 | 627 | ▲ up 97 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #580 | 523 | ▲ up 819 · +219% births |
| 2010 | #1399 | 164 | ▲ up 116 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #1515 | 137 | ▲ up 997 · +128% births |
| 2000 | #2512 | 60 | ▲ up 1287 · +114% births |
| 1995 | #3799 | 28 | ▲ up 450 · +22% births |
| 1990 | #4249 | 23 | ▲ up 869 · +64% births |
| 1985 | #5118 | 14 | ▲ up 849 · +27% births |
| 1980 | #5967 | 11 | ▼ down 1781 · -27% births |
| 1975 | #4186 | 15 | — |
The story of Azalea
Azalea entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. With 7,352 total births recorded, Azalea remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1897 in 1905 to #365 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Azalea in 2025:
Azalea by decade
Azalea peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 59 | |
| 1910s | 118 | |
| 1920s | 127 | |
| 1930s | 55 | |
| 1940s | 32 | |
| 1950s | 81 | |
| 1960s | 43 | |
| 1970s | 135 | |
| 1980s | 162 | |
| 1990s | 384 | |
| 2000s | 1,092 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,437 | |
| 2020s | 2,608 | |
💎With 7,352 total births, Azalea is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Azalea?
What names sound and feel like Azalea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Azalea also consider these
Common questions about the name Azalea
What does the name Azalea mean?
Azalea means "Dry" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Azalea?
Azalea is currently ranked #365 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Azalea have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Azalea?
Azalea originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Azalea?
Azalea is a three-syllable name pronounced uz-AY-lyuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Azalea?
Azalea pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.