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Ezekiel

♂ Boy

Pronounced eh-ZEE-kee-ul /ɪˈziːkiəl/High

Meaning: God will strengthen; God is my strengthHigh

In 30 seconds: A powerful Hebrew prophetic name meaning 'God will strengthen.' Ezekiel has climbed into the U.S. top 50 boys' names, bringing Old Testament gravitas with strong nickname options.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod will strengthen; God is my strength
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 41,020

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

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

History & Origin

Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew Yechezkel, composed of chazaq (to strengthen) and El (God), meaning 'God will strengthen' or 'God is my strength.' Ezekiel was a major Hebrew prophet of the 6th century BC, active during the Babylonian captivity. His book contains prophetic visions, allegories, and the famous vision of the divine chariot.

Like many Old Testament prophetic names, Ezekiel was embraced by English Puritans in the 17th century but never became as mainstream as names like Elijah or Isaiah. In the 21st century it has enjoyed a significant revival, entering the U.S. top 100 in the 2000s and the top 50 by the 2020s, as parents seek substantial Biblical names with cool nickname potential (Zeke).

Did you know? The Book of Ezekiel contains one of the most vivid prophetic visions in the Hebrew Bible — the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37), inspiring the spiritual 'Dem Bones' and countless works of art.

Variations

YechezkelEzequiel

Nicknames

ZekeZek

Famous Bearers

  • ★Ezekiel Elliott (1995–)
    American professional football player, running back in the NFL.

If you like Ezekiel…

Elijah— fellow major Hebrew prophet name in the U.S. top 10
Isaiah— another major Hebrew prophet enjoying the same modern revival
Micah— shorter Hebrew prophet name with the same Old Testament depth
Ezra— short, punchy Hebrew name from the same prophetic tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ezekiel mean?

Ezekiel is a Hebrew name meaning 'God will strengthen' or 'God is my strength,' from chazaq (to strengthen) and El (God).

How do you pronounce Ezekiel?

It's said eh-ZEE-kee-ul /ɪˈziːkiəl/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ezekiel a boy or girl name?

Ezekiel is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Ezekiel?

Ezekiel has climbed into the U.S. top 50 boys' names in the 2020s after a strong Biblical name revival.