Surname Hazel - Meaning and Origin

Reimagining the Hazel Legacy: A Personal Exploration of My Surname Through the iGENEA DNA Test

Following my iGENEA DNA test, I discovered an unanticipated depth to my family history. This new insight significantly reshaped my understanding of my surname - Hazel, and my broader familial identity. The DNA test led me on a journey through my family’s past, transforming Hazel from a simple family name into a legacy with a vibrant tapestry of rich heritages.

Q. Hazel

Hazel: What does the surname Hazel mean?

The last name Hazel is of English origin, and is often considered to have derived from the Old English word "haesel", referring to the hazel tree. The hazel tree was revered in ancient times for its strength and straightness, and was associated with wisdom and learning. Hence, this surname might have originally been a nickname for a wise person, a knowledgeable person, or one who lived near a hazel tree or in a grove of hazel trees. The name could also have been given to someone who frequently gathered hazelnuts.

There are also suggestions that the surname could be a variant of Hasell, Hasel, or Haisell, all belonging to the Anglo-Saxon period. Hazel is a common surname in England, especially in the northern and central regions.

It's important to note that the spelling and pronunciation of surnames have often evolved over time and can differ widely even within a specific region, reflecting the influences of local dialects and languages.

Hazel: Where does the name Hazel come from?

The surname Hazel is of English origin derived from the Old English word "haesel." Traditionally, it was a topographic name used to refer to someone who lived near a hazelnut tree or a grove. The surname could also be an occupational one, referring to a grower or seller of hazel nuts. Although it started as a last name, Hazel has now become a popular first name too.

Hazel is found in various spelling forms such as Hazell, Haisell, Heazel, and Hesel, primarily due to regional dialects and illiteracy among early populations, which led to many variations in the spelling of names.

Today, the surname Hazel is fairly common across the English-speaking world, especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. According to recent statistics, most of the people carrying Hazel as their last name can be found in the United States, followed by England, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Although it started from English ancestry, the surname has disseminated globally due to emigration throughout the centuries.

Variations of the surname Hazel

The surname Hazel is relatively uncommon but does have several variants and similar surnames. Some of these include Hazell, Haysell, Hazle, Hesel, Hazelwood, Hazlewood, Hasell, Haze and Haisell. Some less common variations might even be translated from other languages, such as "Noisetier" from French or "Haselnuss" from German.

The surname Hazel can also be found in compound forms such as Hazelgrove or Hazelwood. These surnames may have distinct origins but could well stem from a common root or geographical location associated with hazel trees or with a place named after such trees.

The diversity of spelling variants can be attributed to factors including transcription errors on official documents, regional dialects, attempts to Anglicize the name, or even a family's personal preference.

In terms of origin, the name Hazel is derived from Old English hæsel. Given its connection to the hazel tree, many believe it was historically used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a hazel tree or a hazel grove. Alternately, in some instances it might have been used as a nickname for someone with a hazelnut-colored complexion or hair. Originating in England, the name is quite common in that region, but also found in the United States, Ireland, and Scotland.

Famous people with the name Hazel

• Ruby Rose Hazel (R&B singer from California)
• Jeff Hazel (American Professional Golfer)
• Kelsey Hazel (American Singer-Songwriter)
• Javier Hazel (Professional Soccer Player from Mexico)
• Lorraine Hazel (Canadian Film & TV Actress)
• Lonnie Hazel (American Stand-Up Comedian)
• 15th Earl of Morton (a.k.a. Douglas Thomas Luke Hazel)
• Sean Hazel (American Music Producer)
• Sierra Hazal (R&B Singer/Songwriter from Florida)
• Jiro Hazel (Japanese Actor)
• Glory Hazel (British Performance Artist)
• Dave Hazel (American Rock Music Producer)
• Steven Hazel (American Film & TV Director/Producer)
• Lou Hazel (American Music Engineer & Producer)
• Malik Hazel (Professional NFL Football Player)
• Adrian Hazel (American TV & Film Actor)
• Erika Hazel (American TV Actress)
• Amarion Hazel (American R&B Singer/Songwriter)
• Hayley Hazel (British TV Actress)
• Danielle Hazell (English Top Order Cricketer)

Other surnames

HazelettHazellHazeltonHazelwoodHazenfussHazenfuß