Find out how popular the first name Hazard has been for the last 3 years (from 2017 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A masculine French name derived from an old Arabic term meaning "chance" or "risk".
Based on the last 3 years of data, Hazard is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hazard.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 0 |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 |
The given name Hazard has its origins in the Middle English language, dating back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Old French word "hasart," which means "game of chance" or "risk." This name was likely given to children born during times of uncertainty or danger, reflecting the risks and hazards faced by their families or communities.
In the medieval period, the name Hazard was associated with knights and warriors who took great risks on the battlefield. Historical records show that in 1248, a knight named Hazard de Montfort fought alongside Simon de Montfort during the Barons' War against King Henry III of England.
The name Hazard also appears in various literary works from the Middle Ages, such as the 14th-century romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," where a character named Hazard is mentioned. Additionally, in the 15th-century play "Everyman," the character of Hazard personifies the risks and dangers that humans face in life.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hazard comes from the birth records of the village of Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, where a boy named Hazard Shakespeare was born. Although not directly related to the famous playwright William Shakespeare, this early example highlights the use of the name in Elizabethan England.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Hazard. In the 17th century, Hazard Wilcox (1619-1678) was a prominent Puritan minister in New England, known for his fiery sermons and strict religious beliefs. In the 18th century, Hazard Perry (1735-1805) was an American Revolutionary War soldier who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
During the 19th century, Hazard Stevens (1842-1918) was a renowned American architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Massachusetts. Another notable figure was Hazard Upham (1818-1905), a Union Army officer during the American Civil War who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in battle.
In the 20th century, Hazard Gillespie (1909-1998) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of Texas from 1951 to 1953. He was known for his efforts to combat organized crime and corruption in the state.
Despite its historical significance, the name Hazard has become less common in modern times, perhaps due to its association with risk and danger. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and intriguing name with a rich cultural heritage and literary connections.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Hazard was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Hazard first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on December 7, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/hazard-meaning-and-history/.
"Hazard first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/hazard-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 7 December, 2025
Hazard first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/hazard-meaning-and-history/.
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