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Azalea

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-ZAYL-ee-uh /əˈzeɪliə/High

Meaning: Dry; relating to the azalea flower, named from Greek azaleos (dry)High

In 30 seconds: A vivid floral name from the blazing azalea bush. Azalea is bold and tropical — the dramatic cousin of Rose and Violet, beloved by parents who want a flower name with fire and presence.
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Origin HighGreek, English
MeaningDry; relating to the azalea flower, named from Greek azaleos (dry)
U.S. rank (2025)#278 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,109 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 11,727

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519022025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Azalea is a botanical name derived from the plant genus Azalea (now classified under Rhododendron), named from the Greek azaleos (dry). The azalea was introduced to European gardens in the 17th and 18th centuries from Asia and North America and became a symbol of feminine beauty and elegance in the Victorian language of flowers.

As a given name, Azalea gained visibility in the 21st century, boosted by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea (born Amethyst Amelia Kelly), who adopted it as a stage name from a street where she grew up. It entered the U.S. top 500 for girls and has been climbing alongside other botanical names.

Did you know? The name azalea comes from the Greek azaleos (dry), because azalea shrubs were originally believed to thrive in dry soil — though the beloved blooms actually need moisture to flourish.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Azalea — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AzaliaAzaleia

Nicknames

ZaliaLeaZee

Famous Bearers

  • ★Iggy Azalea (Amethyst Kelly) (1990–present)
    Australian rapper and model who adopted Azalea as her stage name, bringing it wide recognition.

If you like Azalea…

Dahlia— bold dramatic floral name with the same vivid presence and botanical heritage
Camellia— similarly exotic flower name with the same four-syllable flowing elegance
Magnolia— grand Southern botanical name with the same flamboyant floral statement
Zinnia— vibrant garden flower name with the same unusual, eye-catching flair

Frequently Asked

What does the name Azalea mean?

Azalea is a botanical name from the Greek azaleos (dry), given to the azalea flowering shrub. As a name it carries the beauty of the vivid blossoms.

How do you pronounce Azalea?

It is said uh-ZAYL-ee-uh /əˈzeɪliə/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Azalea a boy or girl name?

Azalea is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Azalea?

Azalea entered the U.S. top 500 for girls and has been rising steadily since the mid-2010s.