The baby name Ozias blends Biblical roots with a cool, contemporary sound.
Thanks to Ellen for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME OZIAS MEAN?
In the Old Testament, Uzziah is a name of Hebrew origin with an appealing meaning: “my power is God.”
Around the 8th century BC, Uzziah reigned as King of Judah for around five decades.
In the New Testament, he’s mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
Uzziah became Ozias in Greek and Latin translations, as well as some French and English versions.
Nearly any Biblical name, no matter how obscure, is occasionally, and the baby name Ozias is no exception. Ozias Humphrey, an 18th century English painter, bore the name. Author Wilkie Collins gave the name Ozias Midwinter to a character in his 1860s novel Armadale.
SURNAME NAME
Ozias also occurs as a last name, at least occasionally. In most cases, it’s borrowed directly from the personal name.
OZZY AND OZZIE
The baby name Ozias is rising in popularity for two reasons. First, we have embraced ancient boy names ending with S. Names Atticus and Elias are more popular than ever before, in the United States and elsewhere.
But Ozias’ leap has do to with Ozzy.
A popular nickname option, parents’ preference for a more formal version has led to the rise of names like Oscar, as well as the discovery of Ozias.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME OZIAS?
The baby name was virtually unknown in the US until the 21st century. A handful of men answered to the name, and it appears in the United States Social Security Administration data a few times.
But it’s surprisingly uncommon.
Ozias rocketed into greater use beginning in the early 2000s, fueled by the rise of names like Atticus and Ozzy.
Another factor? We love O names for boys, led by Oliver and Owen, but with bold choices like Orion and Ocean trending, too. (This is true for the opposite gender, too, with Olivia ranked #1 in the US.)
As of the year 2024, it debuted in the US Top 1000 at #861.
While that might not seem significant, any name appearing on the Top 1000 list tends to become at least a little more familiar to parents, as it’s the list nearly all sources draw from when talking about popular names.
OZIAS: ONE TO WATCH
All of this means that Ozias is a name to watch for the 2020s.
It might make a fun middle name, edgy and unexpected.
But it’s also the perfect name for parents seeking a formal version of Ozzy that feels rooted in history, mixing a strong sound with current style.
What do you think of the baby name Ozias?
I absolutely love this name but am not brave enough to use it!