Ezra

♀ Girl

Pronounced EZ-ruh /ˈɛz.rə/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew ezra meaning 'help' or 'helper', the name of the biblical scribe and priest who led the restoration of Jewish law after the Babylonian exile; now used for girls as part of the trend toward unisex biblical namesHigh

In 30 seconds: Ezra is a biblical Hebrew name meaning help or helper, traditionally used for boys but increasingly chosen for girls in the 21st century. Its soft, two-syllable sound and deep spiritual roots give it understated power.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom the Hebrew ezra meaning 'help' or 'helper', the name of the biblical scribe and priest who led the restoration of Jewish law after the Babylonian exile; now used for girls as part of the trend toward unisex biblical names

U.S. rank (2025)#834 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births327 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,003

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ezra comes from the Hebrew ezra, meaning 'help' or 'helper'. In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra was a priest and scribe who led a group of Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes (c. 458 BC), and who is credited with establishing the Torah as the central document of Jewish life. The Book of Ezra records his work of religious restoration.

Ezra has been used as a masculine given name in Jewish and Christian communities since antiquity. In the United States it became popular in the 19th century among Puritan-heritage families. Poet Ezra Pound (1885–1972) kept the name in literary consciousness. In the 21st century, Ezra crossed into girls' use as part of the broader trend of assigning traditionally male Hebrew names to girls — alongside Eli, Ari, and Noah for girls.

Did you know? The biblical Ezra was not only a priest and scribe but also a skilled administrator who helped reunify the Jewish people after their Babylonian exile — making the name a symbol of rebuilding, scholarship, and spiritual leadership.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Ezra — Hebrew etymology and biblical backgroundU.S. Social Security Administration — usage data for Ezra for females

Variations

EsraEzrah

Nicknames

EzEzzie

Famous Bearers

★Ezra (biblical figure) (biblical)
Hebrew priest and scribe of the 5th century BC who led Jewish exiles from Babylon and restored the Torah as the center of Jewish communal life.

If you like Ezra…

Eli— same traditionally male Hebrew name now used for girls

Ari— shares the Hebrew origin and the unisex crossover trend

Nova— similar two-syllable name with a bright, modern feel for girls

Ivy— same short, vintage-literary, nature-adjacent name rising for girls

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ezra mean?

Ezra means help or helper in Hebrew, from the biblical priest and scribe who restored Jewish law after the Babylonian exile.

How do you pronounce Ezra?

It is said EZ-ruh, with two syllables.

Is Ezra a girls name?

Ezra was traditionally a male name but is increasingly used for girls in the 21st century as part of the unisex Hebrew name trend.

Is Ezra a popular name for girls?

Ezra for girls is still relatively uncommon but growing, particularly among parents who appreciate its biblical depth and soft sound.