Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Boaz
BoyHebrew· “uncertain; possibly 'swiftness'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'swiftness' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- BOH-az
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #891
- US babies 2025
- 268
- Best rank
- #891 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Boaz
Boaz is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'swiftness'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
Scholars disagree about the meaning of Boaz, a Hebrew name often explained as 'swiftness' or 'in him is strength'. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz is the kind landowner who marries Ruth and becomes an ancestor of King David. The name was also given to one of the two bronze pillars at the entrance to Solomon's temple. Boaz is strong and distinctive. Bo is the natural nickname. It appeals to parents who like strong biblical names.
Popularity over time
Boaz first appears in US Social Security records in 1928. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 2023. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #891, and its highest count, 268 babies. Use has grown 98% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,879 in 1980, #2,924 in 2000, #1,816 in 2010, and #891 in 2025. Of the 3,476 US boys named Boaz since records began, 39% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,315 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Shepard, Jericho, Eliezer, Laith, and Zaylen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Boaz ranked highest in Missouri, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #348 | 18 |
| Oregon | #381 | 10 |
| Wisconsin | #526 | 9 |
| Colorado | #630 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #635 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Boaz is usually pronounced BOH-az, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with B and ends in “-az”.
Middle names for Boaz
A few middle names that flow with Boaz: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Boaz
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Lists that include Boaz
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Boaz mean?
Boaz is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'swiftness'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Boaz?
Boaz has Hebrew roots. Scholars disagree about the meaning of Boaz, a Hebrew name often explained as 'swiftness' or 'in him is strength'.
Is Boaz a popular name?
Yes. Boaz ranked #891 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Boaz a boy or girl name?
Boaz is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Boaz?
Boaz is usually pronounced BOH-az. 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