Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Azalea
GirlGreek, English· “azalea flower; dry”
- Meaning
- azalea flower; dry
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- uh-ZAYL-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #278
- US babies 2025
- 1,109
- Best rank
- #278 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Azalea
Azalea is a Greek and English name that means “azalea flower; dry”.
Azalea is the name of a flowering shrub prized for its bright spring blooms in pink, white, red and purple. The word comes from the Greek azaleos, "dry", because the plant was once thought to thrive in dry soil. Azaleas are closely related to rhododendrons and are a beloved feature of gardens in the American South, where many towns hold azalea festivals in spring. As a given name, Azalea belongs to the flower name tradition alongside Lily and Rose, but it is less common. Its z sound gives it a lively sparkle, and Lea or Zaley work as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Azalea first appears in US Social Security records in 1902. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2012. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #278, and its highest count, 1,109 babies. Use has grown 112% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,712 in 1920, #3,242 in 1950, #5,942 in 1980, #2,514 in 2000, #1,394 in 2010, and #278 in 2025. Of the 11,739 US girls named Azalea since records began, 43% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,457 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alanna, Alessia, Sylvie, Julieta, and Luciana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Azalea ranked highest in New Mexico, Hawaii, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #135 | 11 |
| Hawaii | #141 | 6 |
| Colorado | #161 | 36 |
| Oregon | #181 | 20 |
| Arizona | #190 | 35 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Azalea is usually pronounced uh-ZAYL-yuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ea”.
Middle names for Azalea
A few middle names that flow with Azalea: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Azalea
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Lists that include Azalea
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Azalea mean?
Azalea is a Greek and English name that means “azalea flower; dry”.
What is the origin of the name Azalea?
Azalea has Greek and English roots. Azalea is the name of a flowering shrub prized for its bright spring blooms in pink, white, red and purple.
Is Azalea a popular name?
Yes. Azalea ranked #278 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Azalea a boy or girl name?
Azalea is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Azalea?
Azalea is usually pronounced uh-ZAYL-yuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings