Ezra

male

Origin

Hebrew, from the Biblical Hebrew צ Ezra (Ezra), meaning 'help' or 'helper'. The name appears in ancient Levantine texts and was borne by the Jewish scribe and priest Ezra, a key figure in the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. The name has historically been used across Jewish communities worldwide, including in Australia following immigration.

Meaning

Help or helper. In the Australian context, this name often symbolises support, guidance, and stability, resonating with community and cultural values of assistance and resilience in diverse multicultural settings.

Pronunciation

/ˈɛzrə/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the first syllable, 'EZ-ruh') In colloquial speech, the name is often shortened to 'Ez' as a nickname or term of endearment among friends and family.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Ezra (original Hebrew spelling)
  • Ezera (less common variant)
  • Esra (Turkish and Hebrew variant)
  • Эзра (Russian transliteration, not typical in Australia)

Nicknames

  • Ez
  • Zra
  • Zee
  • Ezzy

Name Days

  • 01 March (Celebration of the biblical Ezra's feast in some Christian calendars)
  • 27 December (Day of Mākā) - Māori celebration acknowledging guidance and wisdom, culturally adapted in some multicultural Australian communities.
  • The name does not traditionally have specific name days in Australian cultural practice but is observed in religious calendars where relevant.
  • In Indigenous Australian contexts, this name is not part of traditional naming systems but may be used by multicultural families.
  • In Māori contexts, 27 December (Day of Mākā) could be culturally signficant, representing wisdom and guidance.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with ezra:

  • Ezra and Noah (Biblical pairings)
  • Ezra and Levi (Jewish heritage)
  • Ezra and Sophie (popular in Australia for girls)
  • Ezra and Maya (modern, multicultural evoke)
  • Ezra and James (common Australian masculine name)

Fun Facts

  • The name Ezra gained popularity in Australia again during the 2000s, reflecting a broader trend of biblical names in secular and religious communities.
  • Famous Australian bearer: Ezra Beck, a noted artist.
  • Ezra is also the name of a popular Australian-made craft beer produced in Queensland.
  • The biblical Ezra was known for his role in restoring the Hebrew scriptures, which culturally resonates in Australia’s appreciation for storytelling and history.
  • In popular culture, Ezra is associated with characters in Australian comics and children’s stories, often symbolising wisdom and guidance.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name ezra:

  • Intelligent
  • Wise','Supportive','Resilient','Traditional'],
  • famous
  • famous
  • Famous Australian Bearers
  • famous
  • famous
  • Famous Australians with the name ezra
  • famous
  • famous
  • Notable Ezras in Australian history and culture

Aesthetic Qualities

The name Ezra has a classic and minimalist aesthetic in Australian typography, often associated with dignified and timeless branding. It pairs well with modern and traditional design elements due to its balanced syllabic structure.

Geographical Distribution

More popular in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially among families with religious or multicultural backgrounds. Less common in rural and Indigenous communities where traditional names predominate.

Numerological Significance

Name number: 9 (based on Pythagorean numerology). The number 9 signifies humanitarianism, wisdom, and idealism, aligning with traits of support and resilience associated with the name. It suggests a nurturing and altruistic personality.

Astrological Connections

According to astrological interpretations, Ezra correlates with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, symbolising wisdom, compassion, and spiritual depth. The name is thought to resonate with traits of vision and empathy, making it suitable for those born in late November to March.

Historical Context

The biblical Ezra is a renowned figure, and the name appears frequently in religious texts and history. In Australian history, early settlers and religious communities carried this name, maintaining its biblical legacy.

Linguistic Adaptability

In most languages, the name Ezra adapts well, with similar phonetic structures. Variants like Esra (Turkish, Hebrew) and Ezrah (alternative spelling) are recognized in multicultural contexts. The name's phonetic simplicity aids in pronunciation across diverse linguistic groups.

Famous People Named ezra

  • Ezra Beck (Artist)
  • Ezra Taylor (Research Scientist)
  • Ezra Johnson (Australian Rules Footballer in local leagues)
  • Ezra Morrison (Mural artist in Melbourne)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 306
2023 267
2022 249
2021 243
2020 88