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The short answer
Ezra is a classic masculine and mixed-gender given name derived from the Biblical Hebrew noun עֶזְרָא (ʿezrā), meaning 'help.' The name is deeply rooted in religious history, borne by the fifth-century BC Jewish high priest, prophet, and scribe who authored the biblical Book of Ezra. Following the Protestant Reformation, Ezra entered common use across the English-speaking world. Modern parents are drawn to its clean, two-syllable sound, strong biblical heritage, and gentle strength, which propelled it into the United States top 20 for boys in 2025 while also recording modest use for girls.
Meaning and etymology
Ezra originates from the Biblical Hebrew noun עֶזְרָא (ʿezrā), which translates directly to 'help'. It is prominently established as the name of the biblical scribe and prophet in the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh.
Editorial confidence: established
Linguistic roots
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Hebrew | עֶזְרָא (ʿezrā) | help |
History of the name
Ezra first appears in ancient scriptural texts as a Jewish high priest and scribe from the fifth century BC. Following the Protestant Reformation, the name transitioned into vernacular use in the English-speaking world and later established a distinct presence in modern literature and contemporary name registries.
| Period | What changed |
|---|---|
| 5th Century BC | Ezra is chronicled in the Hebrew Tanakh and Old Testament as a Jewish high priest and scribe who journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem. |
| 16th Century | Ezra began to be adopted as a personal given name in the English-speaking world following the Protestant Reformation. |
| 1885–1972 | American modernist poet Ezra Pound lived and worked, becoming one of the most prominent modern literary namesakes. |
| 2025 | Ezra reached the rank of #20 for boys in the United States and appeared within the top 50 in England, Wales, and New Zealand. |
Popularity
Ezra was ranked #270 among boys in the United States in 1880, experienced lower usage through much of the mid-20th century, and underwent a major resurgence in the 21st century. By 2025, Ezra ranked #20 for boys and #833 for girls in the United States, alongside strong international representation in England, Wales, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.
| Region | Year | Rank | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Masculine) | 2025 | #20 | behind-the-name-us |
| United States (Feminine) | 2025 | #833 | behind-the-name-us |
| England & Wales (Masculine) | 2025 | #38 | behind-the-name |
| New Zealand | 2025 | #25 | behind-the-name |
| Canada | 2024 | #47 | behind-the-name |
United States, 2023: #15 (Social Security Administration)
Pronunciation around the world
Ezra retains a consistent two-syllable structure across languages, with minor phonetic variations in vowel quality and the central sibilant sound.
| Language or region | Pronunciation | Local forms |
|---|---|---|
| English | /ˈɛz.ɹə/ | Ezra |
| Hebrew | /ez.ˈʁa/ | עֶזְרָא, 'Ezra |
| Dutch | /ˈɛs.raː/ | Ezra |
| Esperanto | /ˈezra/ | Ezra |
| Tagalog | /ˈʔezɾa/ | Ezra |
Nicknames, variants, and related names
Nicknames: None documented.
Variants: Ezrah, Esdras
Related names: Uzair, Uzayr, Ezras, Esra, Esdra
What the name feels like
Ezra blends an antique biblical solemnity with an approachable, energetic cadence. Its brief two-syllable profile, distinctive central 'z', and open ending provide a modern aesthetic warmth.
Style tags: classic, mature, formal, wholesome, strong, refined
Editorial interpretation: Tags such as classic, mature, wholesome, and refined are drawn from community ratings on Behind the Name. Broader stylistic interpretations and pairing impressions represent editorial opinion rather than measurable etymological traits.
People and stories associated with the name
Ezra is associated with an ancient biblical priest and author as well as a pioneering modernist literary figure.
| Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ezra the Scribe | historical | A Jewish high priest and scribe from the fifth century BC who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem; traditionally recognized as the author of the Book of Ezra. |
| Ezra Pound | historical | American poet (1885–1972) and significant figure in twentieth-century modernist poetry. |
If you like this name
Families drawn to Ezra often appreciate names that share ancient Semitic origins, classical biblical traditions, or concise, vowel-ended phonetic structures.
Similar by origin
- Esdras
- Ezrah
- Uzair
Similar by style
- Esra
- Ezras
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ezra mean?
Ezra is derived from the Biblical Hebrew word עֶזְרָא (*ʿezrā*), which translates to 'help'.
Who was Ezra in the Bible?
In the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh, Ezra was a fifth-century BC Jewish high priest, prophet, and scribe who journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem and is traditionally associated with the Book of Ezra.
Is Ezra a boy or girl name?
Ezra is predominantly used as a masculine name, but it has also developed modern usage for girls, ranking at #833 for females in the United States in 2025.
How do you pronounce the name Ezra?
In English, Ezra is pronounced /ˈɛz.ɹə/. In Hebrew, the pronunciation is /ez.ˈʁa/.
Sources
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Ezra — supports Hebrew origin and meaning 'help', Biblical context as an Old Testament prophet and author of the Book of Ezra, English-speaking adoption after the Protestant Reformation, Ezra Pound biographical dates (1885–1972), Variants Ezrah and Esdras, and cognates Uzair, Uzayr, Ezras, English and Hebrew pronunciation, Visitor rating descriptors, International popularity rankings in Australia, Belgium, Canada, England & Wales, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.
- Behind the Name: Popularity for the name Ezra — supports United States historical popularity ranks from 1880 to 2025, 2025 male rank #20 (0.443%) and female rank #833 (0.019%), Historical male rank #270 in 1880.
- Wiktionary: Ezra — supports Biblical Hebrew etymology עֶזְרָא (ʿezrā), Definition as fifteenth book of the Old Testament / Hebrew Tanakh, Fifth-century BC Jewish high priest definition, English pronunciation /ˈɛzɹə/, Foreign pronunciations and translations including Dutch, Esperanto, and Tagalog, King James Version quotation from Ezra 7:6.
