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Azalea
Pronounced uh-ZAYL-ee-uh /əˈzeɪliə/High
Meaning: Dry; relating to the azalea flower, named from Greek azaleos (dry)High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
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.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Iggy Azalea (Amethyst Kelly) (1990–present)Australian rapper and model who adopted Azalea as her stage name, bringing it wide recognition.
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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.