The name Azriel has its origins in Hebrew and is derived from the biblical phrase "Azri El," which translates to "help of God" or "God is my help." This name has been in use for centuries, with its roots dating back to ancient Israelite culture.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Azriel can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of 1 Chronicles, Azriel is mentioned as a leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the time of the Exodus from Egypt.

During the Middle Ages, the name Azriel gained popularity among Jewish communities, particularly in Europe. One notable figure from this period was Azriel ben Menahem, a 12th-century French rabbi and biblical commentator who lived in Gerona, Spain.

In the 16th century, Azriel ben Joseph, a Italian-Jewish writer and poet, was known for his works on Jewish ethics and philosophy. His most famous work, "Chesed L'Avraham," explored the concept of divine love and mercy.

Another prominent individual named Azriel was Azriel Hildesheimer, a 19th-century German rabbi and scholar. He was a leading figure in the Orthodox Jewish community and played a significant role in the establishment of modern Jewish educational institutions.

In more recent times, Azriel Rosenfeld, an Israeli computer scientist and pioneer in the field of computer vision, made notable contributions to the development of algorithms for image analysis and pattern recognition.

While the name Azriel has been primarily associated with Jewish communities throughout history, it has also been adopted by other cultures and has gained popularity in various parts of the world. Its enduring presence serves as a testament to its rich historical and cultural significance.