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Azrael

♂ Boy

Pronounced AZ-ree-ul /ˈæz.ri.əl/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Azra'el, composed of azra meaning help and El meaning God, meaning help of God or whom God helps; Azrael is the angel of death in Islamic and Jewish traditionsHigh

In 30 seconds: A bold three-syllable Hebrew name meaning help of God, Azrael is the angel of death in Islamic and some Jewish traditions, carrying dark mystique alongside profound spiritual meaning.
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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic
MeaningFrom Hebrew Azra'el, composed of azra meaning help and El meaning God, meaning help of God or whom God helps; Azrael is the angel of death in Islamic and Jewish traditions
U.S. rank (2025)#656 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births421 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,183

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519942025

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

History & Origin

Azrael is a Hebrew name composed of azra (help) and El (God), meaning God helps or help of God. In Islamic theology, Azra'il is one of the four archangels and is the Angel of Death (Malak al-Maut), whose role is to separate souls from bodies at death. In Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, Azrael is also associated with death and mourning.

As a given name, Azrael has appeared in English-speaking communities primarily as a distinctive biblical and mystical choice. In the 21st century it has gained traction in the United States among parents drawn to unusual, spiritually resonant names with a gothic edge. It has also appeared in popular fiction, including comics (The Smurfs' villain) and video games, which has brought it additional visibility.

Did you know? In Islamic tradition, Azra'il (Azrael) is one of four archangels and is tasked with taking souls at the moment of death — a role of profound responsibility rather than malevolence, making this name spiritually weighty rather than sinister.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Azrael — etymology and theological backgroundU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Azra'elAzrailAzra'il

Nicknames

AzZael

Famous Bearers

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If you like Azrael…

Uriel— fellow Hebrew archangel name ending in -el with the same spiritual depth
Raphael— shares the archangel category and the same multi-syllable Hebrew -el name structure
Gabriel— another archangel name with the same Hebrew root pattern and spiritual prestige
Ezekiel— shares the long Hebrew name tradition and the same bold, prophetic biblical character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Azrael mean?

Azrael means help of God or whom God helps, from Hebrew azra (help) and El (God).

How do you pronounce Azrael?

It is said AZ-ree-ul /ˈæz.ri.əl/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Who is Azrael in religion?

Azrael is the Angel of Death in Islamic theology and also appears in Jewish mysticism. He is one of four archangels in Islam, responsible for separating souls from bodies.

Is Azrael used as a baby name?

Yes — Azrael has been appearing on U.S. birth records in the 21st century as a distinctive spiritual and mystical name choice.