Hazel vs Violet
A side-by-side comparison of Hazel and Violet — meaning, origin, pronunciation, popularity, and cultural significance.
Hazel vs Violet: the key differences
Hazel and Violet often end up on the same shortlist. Hazel is of English origin and Violet of Latin origin; Hazel means “hazel tree, light brown” and Violet means “purple flower”. Both are used for girls.
In 2025, Hazel ranked #21 and Violet #13 among girls' names in the US, so Violet was the more common choice, 8 places ahead of Hazel. Violet overtook Hazel in 2022; Hazel peaked at #18 in 1897, Violet at #13 in 2025.
Hazel has 2 syllables and 5 letters; Violet has 3 syllables and 6.
how do Hazel and Violet compare?
| Hazel | Attribute | Violet |
|---|---|---|
hazel tree, light brown | Meaning | purple flower |
| English | Origin | Latin |
HAY-zel | Pronunciation | VY-oh-let |
| girl | Gender | girl |
2 syllables, 5 letters | Sound | 3 syllables, 6 letters |
Haze, Hazy | Nicknames | Vi, Lettie |
Hazell, Hazelle | Variants | Violette, Viola, Wioletta |
#18 in 1897 | All-time peak | #13 in 2025 |
Hazel Grace Lancaster (The Fault in Our Stars character); Julia Roberts (named daughter Hazel) | Famous namesakes | Violet Affleck (daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck); Violet Baudelaire (A Series of Unfortunate Events) |
From the Old English hæsel, the hazel tree. The name also carries the eye colour, which took its name from the tree's nut rather than the other way round — a small chain of association that gives the name two distinct images. | Etymology | From the Latin viola, the flower, by way of the Old French violette. The colour takes its name from the flower rather than the reverse, so the botanical sense is the original one. |
| #21 | Popularity (2025) | #13 |
Hazel refers to the hazel tree and the warm brown-green eye color. Celtic mythology considered the hazel a tree of wisdom. 'The Fault in Our Stars' character Hazel Grace Lancaster revitalized it for a new generation. | Cultural Note | Violet refers to the purple flower and color, from the Latin 'viola.' Shakespeare, Dickens, and Lemony Snicket all used it for characters. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's daughter Violet helped spark its modern comeback to the top 30. |
which is more popular: Hazel or Violet?
Hazel
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #21 |
| 2024 | #19 |
| 2023 | #18 |
| 2022 | #27 |
| 2021 | #28 |
Violet
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #13 |
| 2024 | #15 |
| 2023 | #16 |
| 2022 | #20 |
| 2021 | #36 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
questions about Hazel and Violet
What is the difference between Hazel and Violet?
Hazel and Violet often end up on the same shortlist. Hazel is of English origin and Violet of Latin origin; Hazel means “hazel tree, light brown” and Violet means “purple flower”. Both are used for girls.
Which is more popular, Hazel or Violet?
In 2025, Hazel ranked #21 and Violet #13 among girls' names in the US, so Violet was the more common choice, 8 places ahead of Hazel. Violet overtook Hazel in 2022; Hazel peaked at #18 in 1897, Violet at #13 in 2025.
Are Hazel and Violet pronounced the same?
Hazel is pronounced HAY-zel and Violet VY-oh-let. Hazel has 2 syllables and 5 letters; Violet has 3 syllables and 6.
Should I name my baby Hazel or Violet?
Both Hazel and Violet are beautiful choices. Consider the meaning, cultural significance, and how each sounds with your last name. HushName's free AI consultation can help you explore both options and find the perfect fit for your family.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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