Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Azariah

Azariah appears as a minor Biblical character who happens to be a man. Modern American parents, however, have hijacked this ancient Hebrew name and made it female through usage. In Hebrew (עֲזַרְיָה) the name means “Yahweh has helped” which is apropos once you’re familiar with Azariah’s Biblical story.‎ Azariah lived around 600 B.C. during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar II. He is mentioned as one of three nobly born Jews who remained faithful to their Hebrew God (the other two being Shadrach and Meshach). Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are the three men’s Babylonian names. In Hebrew their real names are Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, respectively. The Babylonian names given to the three men in exile/captivity refer instead to Babylonian pagan gods. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, along with Daniel, were hand-picked by King Nebuchadnezzar to serve in his court. He selected these high born Judeans specifically for their good appearance and wisdom. What Nebuchadnezzar failed to understand was that these three Israelite men were completely devoted to their own God (Yahweh) first and foremost. When the king realized that Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael) and Abednego (Azariah) paid no respect to him or his Babylonian gods, in a rage he ordered their executions by the fiery furnace (a common Babylonian punishment). An angel of God intervened and kept the men out of harm’s way so that “the fire had no power over [their] bodies” and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego emerged from the blazing furnace unscathed. Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed by the miraculous scene that he allowed the three men to worship their own God freely while also promoting them in the province of Babylon. So Abednego/Azariah’s story is illustrative of God’s protection over those who demonstrate unwavering devotion to Him. In return, God (or Yahweh) “helped” Azariah and his fellow Jews avoid certain death by fire.

All About the Baby Name – Azariah

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME AZARIAH

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME AZARIAH

As mentioned above, Azariah is an obscure Biblical name referring to a very specific Jewish man. However, American parents have found preference with Azariah as a female name. While Azaria (without the “h”) is more popular for baby girls, both names are quite uncommon in the United States today. Still, the feminine sensibility of the name’s sound (ending with the “-ia(h)” suffix) provides the logic behind Azaria’s usage for baby girls. Even though Azariah was a minor male figure in the Bible, the name’s etymology has universal application for the religious minded parent, i.e., God has helped. It’s a comforting notion for sure.

Quick Facts

ON AZARIAH

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

az-ə-RIE-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Yahweh has helped

Characteristics

OF AZARIAH

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Azariah

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME AZARIAH

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Azariah

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME AZARIAH

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Popular Songs

ON AZARIAH

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Famous People

NAMED AZARIAH

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Children of Famous People

NAMED AZARIAH

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Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME AZARIAH

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